Malus angustifolia, also known as Southern Crabapple, is a beautiful ornamental plant commonly grown for its profuse pink flowers that make a fragrant show in early spring. This deciduous tree is small, reaching only 25-30 ft tall, and often forms thickets from root sprouts. Its fruit, though not palatable when raw due to its astringent and acidic taste, is great for making jellies, jams, and food preserves, and is popular among various wildlife such as bobwhites, grouse, pheasants, rabbits, squirrels, opossums, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. The tree's hard, heavy wood has been used to make tool handles, and its beautiful yellow-green fruit, slightly pear-shaped and about 25mm in diameter, adds to its appeal. Native to the Southeastern United States, Malus angustifolia is a hardy tree that is not frost tender and is noted for attracting wildlife. If you're looking for an ornamental tree that's not only beautiful, but also a great food source for local wildlife, consider adding the Southern Crabapple to your collection.
