Let's see if the seeds germinate and the trees survive. If they do, you shall have some. I don't think any human planted the trees. They are just part of the native flora, and we discovered them growing along with wild plums, blackberries, and other native stuff. They are definitely in a low location, in the valley created by a stream, but not right next to the stream bed. But they're not right under tall trees. Other plants in that area like wetness, and they must get more water than anything up on the top would receive.
Now, dear fellow Gaia-admirers, and you, too, Diane, I ask: Who cannot feel hopeful when viewing such sweet pink natural beauty such as this Iowa Crabapple? It does the trick for moi! Thx, Diane,
Lovely tree you have. Your excellent article prompted me to read some further articles about them as I have not seen one in the wild here in Van Buren Co. I wonder how much variability there is in the fruit of the Prairie Crabapple trees grown from seed as I know wild peaches grown from seed have a lot of variability as to edibility. In case you might not have encountered it, here is an interesting research article that used Prairie Crabapple to study scent emission: https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/24/13/2356
I've heard and read that fruit flavor does vary from tree to tree. I am actually planting seeds from crabapples that several people sent me from the southeast half of the state. I'm hoping this will impart more vigor to the small grove I'm starting. Because of course I'm planning for the long game, in the hope that this species will survive on my land into the next century. Thank you for your comment!
I love your way of storytelling, fact telling, Diane! I learn such interesting things fro you, and it's so fun! So grateful you nurture all wildlife and nature! I agree with you about the lovely light pink flowers of the Prairie Crabapple you have in Iowa.
Thank you Jan! There are three (or arguably 4, 5, or 6) crabapples native to the US. Yours is the Pacific Crabapple. There's a nice article about it here: http://nativeplantspnw.com/pacific-crabapple-malus-fusca/. The flowers vary from tree to tree, with some white and some pale pink. It's grown as an ornamental in the west, so it may be less prone to bugs and diseases than the Prairie Crabapple.
Oh, that would be wonderful, but only if you have extras!
Was the original planted in the open or as an understory tree?
Let's see if the seeds germinate and the trees survive. If they do, you shall have some. I don't think any human planted the trees. They are just part of the native flora, and we discovered them growing along with wild plums, blackberries, and other native stuff. They are definitely in a low location, in the valley created by a stream, but not right next to the stream bed. But they're not right under tall trees. Other plants in that area like wetness, and they must get more water than anything up on the top would receive.
Now, dear fellow Gaia-admirers, and you, too, Diane, I ask: Who cannot feel hopeful when viewing such sweet pink natural beauty such as this Iowa Crabapple? It does the trick for moi! Thx, Diane,
and, You, Too, Mom-Nature!!
Thank you Susan! The native crabapple for the west coast is Pacific Crabapple. There's an article about "your" crabapple here: http://nativeplantspnw.com/pacific-crabapple-malus-fusca/.
Beautiful tree!! I want some too! What a great find! Best of luck getting a wonderful grove beside the woodshed!
Yay! for feeding the insects and birds!
Thanks Moni. If I get some little trees started I'll be happy to share them with you.
Lovely tree you have. Your excellent article prompted me to read some further articles about them as I have not seen one in the wild here in Van Buren Co. I wonder how much variability there is in the fruit of the Prairie Crabapple trees grown from seed as I know wild peaches grown from seed have a lot of variability as to edibility. In case you might not have encountered it, here is an interesting research article that used Prairie Crabapple to study scent emission: https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/24/13/2356
I've heard and read that fruit flavor does vary from tree to tree. I am actually planting seeds from crabapples that several people sent me from the southeast half of the state. I'm hoping this will impart more vigor to the small grove I'm starting. Because of course I'm planning for the long game, in the hope that this species will survive on my land into the next century. Thank you for your comment!
I love your way of storytelling, fact telling, Diane! I learn such interesting things fro you, and it's so fun! So grateful you nurture all wildlife and nature! I agree with you about the lovely light pink flowers of the Prairie Crabapple you have in Iowa.
Thank you Jan! There are three (or arguably 4, 5, or 6) crabapples native to the US. Yours is the Pacific Crabapple. There's a nice article about it here: http://nativeplantspnw.com/pacific-crabapple-malus-fusca/. The flowers vary from tree to tree, with some white and some pale pink. It's grown as an ornamental in the west, so it may be less prone to bugs and diseases than the Prairie Crabapple.
Best of luck for yourself, the tree, and the birds. What a gift to all three.
Thank you Raven! And good luck to you and whatever is in your heart, too!