What Does a Crab Apple Tree Look Like? Your Questions Answered

Crabapples may not be the most popular apples out there, but did you know that they grow on some of the prettiest apple trees? Even if you don’t want to eat the apples, and we don’t blame you due to their tartness, once you know what a crabapple tree looks like, you may change your mind. That said, they do grow apples, and they do look similar to some more traditional apple trees.

So, what does a crabapple tree look like? Well, you’ll have to read our guide to find out more.

What Is a Crab Apple?

First and foremost, you might be curious about crabapples, especially if you’ve never heard of them before.

A crabapple is a small apple that grows on the crabapple tree. It’s smaller than your traditional apple and comes in a wide variety of different colors and flavors. However, you’ll find that crabapples are more tart than your average apple, so they’re not something that most people eat straight from the tree.

Instead, crabapples tend to be used in cooking. It’s common for people to use crabapples in various types of jams, baked goods, and even ciders. Therefore, they’re not completely useless, and some people say they’re an acquired taste if you want to try them raw.

What Does a Crab Apple Look Like?

Crabapples look like apples – just smaller. Crabapples tend to be less than a few inches in diameter (typically less than two inches) and come in a wide range of colors.

While some crabapples have traditional apple colors, like red and green, others may be yellow, purple, and sometimes even orange. That said, the way a crabapple looks will depend on the tree.

What Does a Crab Apple Tree Look Like?

Crabapple trees are beautiful. We have to start by saying that. While we understand that people don’t love the flavor of the apples, it’s hard not to appreciate they’re beautiful colors.

In the spring, crabapple trees begin to bloom, and you’ll find a wide variety of colors when they do. Plenty of pink, white, red, and other colors will appear in these gorgeous trees. This results in a beautiful-looking tree, especially when you consider the green and red crabapples that grow on it, which are like the icing on the cake.

What Size Are Crab Apple Trees?

Crabapple trees can either be big or small; it depends on the type of tree, and sometimes where it’s growing. That said, your average crabapple tree will be around 15 to 20 feet tall. Depending on the location, the tree may grow out in a round shape, or it may seem like it’s spreading out in different directions.

It’s also important to note that there are dwarf crabapple trees that barely reach 5-10 feet. There are also semi-dwarf variants that tend to be around 10 to 15 feet. Overall, there is a lot of variation in these trees when it comes to size.

Where Can You Grow Crab Apple Trees?

Crabapple trees can be grown all over the United States. It depends on how much sun you can get them and how cold the winter is. For example, you’ll find that they can handle a temperature range of 20 degrees Fahrenheit to 80 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods. A few degrees in each direction for short periods won’t outright kill them, but it may make it harder for them to thrive.

Due to this temperature range, you shouldn’t have any issues with them in the US. Just make sure you can keep their soil moist and give them access to six to eight hours of daily sunlight.

What Does a Crab Apple Tree Look Like? Our Final Thoughts

So, what does a crabapple tree look like? In short, it’s smaller than your average apple tree, but crabapple trees tend to be more vibrant and decorative. You’ll find that you can fit them in more areas, and some crabapple trees can even survive in harsh conditions.

That said, if you want the best-looking crabapple tree, always grow them with seeds or grafted trees from the best crabapple tree suppliers. Otherwise, you may end up with an ugly tree that doesn’t even grow any crabapples for you.