Malus sylvestris, the crab apple, is a species of the genus Malus, native to Europe. Its scientific name means "forest apple", and the truly wild tree has thorns.
In the past, M. sylvestris was thought to be an important ancestor of the cultivated apples (M. domestica), but these have now been shown to have been originally derived from the central Asian species M. sieversii.
The flowers are hermaphrodite and are pollinated by insects. Its leaves are food of the caterpillars of the Twin-spotted Sphinx (Smerinthus jamaicensis) and possibly the Hawthorn Moth (Scythropia crataegella). (info source: wikipedia.org)
An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most fertile soils, including heavy ones, preferring a moisture retentive well-drained loamy soil. Prefers a sunny position but succeeds in partial shade though it fruits less well in such a situation. Fairly tolerant of cutting, it succeeds in a mixed hedgerow.
A parent of the cultivated apple, it is often used as a rootstock. The fruit is a good wildlife food source, especially for birds.
Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus. (info source: pfaf.org)
Genus - Malus
Species - Sylvestris
Common name - Wild Crab Apple
Pre-Treatment - Required
Hardiness zones - 3 - 8
Height - 20-30' / 6 - 9 m
Spread - 20-25' / 6 - 8 m
Plant type - Large Shrub / Small Tree
Vegetation type - Deciduous
Exposure - Full Sun, Sun to Partial Shade
Growth rate - Medium
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil type - Constantly Moist Soil. Do not let to dry out between waterings
Water requirements - Medium to High
Landscape uses - Fragrant Flowers, attractive to bees and butterflies
Bloom season - Spring
Leaf / Flower color - Green / White
1. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours, to soften the outer layer.
2. Place the seeds in a damp paper towel and then fold it into quarters. Place the towel into a plastic bag and place into the refrigerator. Keep the seeds inside the refrigerator for 60 to 80 days.
3. Sow 2 mm deep in soil. After approximately 6 weeks the seeds should begin to sprout. Only about 30-50% of the seeds will germinate so plant enough!
4. Plant the sprouts into 6-inch containers filled with a well draining potting soil. Select a container that drains. Be careful not to injure the root system when planting the apple seedlings. Water to keep the soil moist, but not soggy and place the container in a sunny window.
5. When the plant is six months to one year-old, plant it outside in a location situated in full-sun and with well-drained soil. Select a planting site where the tree won't be crowded and gets good air circulation. Constantly wet soils and crowded conditions leads to disease problems and possible death.
Info source: eHow.com
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