let’s talk about crabapples

First, the dictionary tells me that while crabapple is preferred, crab-apple and crab apple are both acceptable. The dictionary also states that a crabapple is: Any of the wild species of apple tree, genus Malus, which generally yield small, bitter fruit.  I recall reading somewhere–although I cannot find it now–that a crabapple is any apple (wild or domesticated) that is smaller than 2 inches in diameter.  Crabapples are native to North America, yet Minnesota has only one native crabapple, the prairie crabapple. However, we have A LOT of domesticated cultivars and they are widely used as decorative landscaping plants (Japan’s cherry blossoms are similar to our apple blossoms). And why not plant crabapple? Profuse pink and white blossoms in springs, and brilliant red fruits in fall that last all winter. I love ’em.  The reason I wanted to talk about them now, though, is because these fruits have been freezing and thawing since autumn. They are very likely deliciously fermented. So, as our migrant birds start returning very soon, keep an eye out, because the birds that stop to snack on the crabapples (especially the cedar waxwings) can become visibly intoxicated. It’s a sight to see. And they should be arriving any day.

crabapples in February (Malus)