SCIENTIFIC NAME: Malus ioensis
COMMON NAMES: Prairie Crabapple, Iowa Crabapple, Wild Crabapple
BLOOM TIME: May, June
PLANT PROFILE:
- Shrub or small tree 10-25 ft. tall with grayish bark.
- Can exceed 50 year lifespan.
- 2-6 flowers on twigs are light pink to white with 5 petals & yellow stamens.
- Light, flowery apple blossom fragrance.
- Fruits are green-yellow with bitter sour taste.
- In the past the fruit was used for jelly, cider & vinegar.
INSECT/ANIMAL INTERACTIONS:
- The value of Prairie Crab Apple to various kinds of wildlife is quite high.
- The nectar and pollen of the large flowers attract honeybees and bumblebees.
- Other visitors of the flowers include smaller bees, butterflies, and skippers.