Oregon Crabapple

Malus fusca

ovate green leaves hanging downward from stem

Plant Description

Oregon crabapple is a small deciduous tree or large shrub native to riparian zones, wetlands, and moist forests of the Pacific Northwest. It typically grows 15–30 feet tall, with spreading branches, ovate serrated leaves, and clusters of fragrant white to pale pink flowers in spring. These blossoms are followed by small, yellow-green to red crabapples in late summer and fall, which provide an important food source for birds, mammals, and humans (who like to use them for jellies, preserves, and chutney). Adapted to moist, well-drained soils, Oregon crabapple plays a key role in stabilizing streambanks, supporting wildlife, and contributing to the diversity and structure of riparian plant communities. It is also tolerant of seasonal inundation, making it important in wetlands and swales which may be impacted by emerald ash borer.

Plant Details

Life Forms	Broadleaf Tree Shrub
Habitats	Bottomland forests Floodplains Forest edges Forest openings Forest understories Gardens Little Habitats Marshes Mixed hardwood-conifer forests Orchards Parklands Ponds Residential yards Riparian areas Riparian forests Rivers Seeps Streams Swamps Waterways Wetlands Woodlands
Soil and Moisture Conditions	All soil types Moist to wet Poorly drained Seasonally flooded soil Well drained
Special Uses	Attracts birds Attracts hummingbirds Attracts pollinators and or other beneficial insects Autumn color Blooms April Blooms May Deciduous Erosion control Flowering Flowers white Ornamental Perennial Produces fruit Produces nectar Produces pollen Produces seeds Provides soil stabilization Provides wildlife habitat Restoration/revegetation Woody
Shade Preference	Full shade Full sun Part shade
Mature Height	13-40’