Oregon Crab, Oregon crab apple
Malus fusca
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
Malus fusca is a deciduous Tree growing to 12 m (39ft 4in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 12
Where it is found
Moist woods, stream banks, swamps and bogs in deep rich soils, usually occurring in dense pure thickets.
Western N. America - Alaska to California.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Fruit - raw or cooked. Up to 2cm in diameter. An agreeable sub-acid taste, it can be eaten out of hand or made into jellies, preserves etc. The fruit can be left on the tree until there have been some autumn frosts, this will soften the fruit and make it somewhat less acid. The fruit is rich in pectin so it can be added to pectin-low fruits when making jams or jellies. Pectin is also said to protect the body against radiation.
Pectin: a substance that is used to thicken jams etc and as a culture medium in laboratories.
Medicine
Rating: 2
Oregon crab was employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints. In particular, it gained a reputation with some tribes as a heal-all, especially useful for treating any of the internal organs. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism. The trunk, bark and inner bark are antirheumatic, astringent, blood purifier, cardiac, diuretic, laxative and tonic. A decoction has been used in the treatment of coughs, stomach ulcers, dysentery, diarrhoea, rheumatism and consumption. The shredded bark has been used to treat blood spitting. A poultice of the chewed bark has been applied to wounds. An infusion of the bark is used as an eyewash. a decoction of the bark is used as a wash on cuts, eczema and other skin problems. An infusion of the bark, combined with wild cherry bark (Prunus sp.) has been used as a cure-all tonic. The juice scraped from the peeled trunk has been used as an eye medicine. The soaked leaves have been chewed in the treatment of lung problems.
Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Dysentery: Used in treating dysentery - an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.
Eczema: Used in the treatment of eczema - a chronic health condition that affects the skin, causing redness, dryness, itching and infections.
Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.
Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.
Pectoral: Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.
Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
TB: Plants used in the treatment of tuberculosis
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Other
Rating:
The fruit is a source of pectin. Wood - hard, close grained, durable. Used for mallets, tool handles and bearings.
Pectin: A substance that is used to thicken jams etc and as a culture medium in laboratories.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
How it is grown
An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most fertile soils, preferring a moisture retentive well-drained loamy soil. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a sunny position but succeeds in partial shade, though it fruits less well in such a situation. A very ornamental plant, it is slow-growing in the wild. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. The fruit is a good wildlife food source, especially for birds. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. It usually germinates in late winter. Stored seed requires stratification for 3 months at 1°c and should be sown in a cold frame as soon as it is received. It might not germinate for 12 months or more. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. If given a rich compost they usually grow away quickly and can be large enough to plant out in late summer, though consider giving them some protection from the cold in their first winter. Otherwise, keep them in pots in a cold frame and plant them out in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of mature wood, November in a frame.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth: Slow
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
All members of this genus contain the toxin hydrogen cyanide in their seeds and possibly also in their leaves, but not in their fruits. Hydrogen cyanide is the substance that gives almonds their characteristic taste but it should only be consumed in very small quantities. Apple seeds do not normally contain very high quantities of hydrogen cyanide but, even so, should not be consumed in very large quantities. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.
Its other names
Local names
Synonyms
M. rivularis.