Prairie crabapple, Bechel’s Crab Apple, Iowa crabapple
Malus coronaria subsp. ioensis

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A deciduous tree. It grows 8 m tall. It is a broad spreading shape. The bark is reddish to purple brown and flaking. The leaves are broadly oval and 10 cm long by 5 cm across. They have shallow lobes and teeth. They are glossy green above and downy underneath. They turn bright orange-red in autumn. They flowers are pink to white with 5 petals. They are borne in clusters of up to 6. The fruit are rounded and smooth. They are hard and acid. They are pale green but can be flushed with red. They are on short stalks.

There are about 35 Malus species and very many cultivated varieties.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It is native to C. United States. It grows along moist streambanks and the edges of woods. In Hobart Botanical gardens. It suits hardiness zones 2-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, North America, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit is eaten raw. It is also made into jelly, preserves and pickles.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Malus ioensis (Alph. Wood) C. K. Scneid.; Malus ioensis var. texana Rehder; Pyrus coronaria var. ioensis A. W. Wood; Pyrus ioensis var. texana (Rehder) L. H. Bailey;