FNPS Plant Database

Malus angustifolia

southern crabapple
  • Photo by: Susan Trammel, Paynes Prairie FNPS

Nomenclature

Common Name:

southern crabapple

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Malus angustifolia

Family:

Rosaceae

Plant Specifics

Form:

tree

Size:

to 30 ft tall by to 20 ft wide

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

white,pink

Fruit Color:

yellow

Phenology:

Deciduous; blooms early spring. Relatively short lived.

Noted For:

Showy Flowers, Interesting Bark

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Speciman tree especially valued for its mid-spring flowers. Use where its small size is an attribute.

Considerations:

Availability:

Quality Nurseries, Native Nurseries, Seed

Propagation:

Light:

Full Sun, Part Sun

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded---------------------------------Extremely Dry

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Somewhat moist, no flooding -to- Not wet but not extremely dry

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand, Clay, Loam

Soil pH:

Slightly acidic

Suitable to Grow In:

8A,8B,9A,9B

USDA zones are based on the average annual extreme minimum winter temperature.

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Vouchered In:

Distribution
Vouchered
Not vouchered
Selected
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No county distribution is available for this plant yet.
Starting…
Map coded by Melissa Fernandez-de Cespedes (Paynes Prairie Chapter)

Ecology

Wildlife:

Pollinators, Birds

Attracts pollinators, primarily bees. 

Many birds and mammals enjoy feasting on the fruits. 

Native Habitats:

Moist-dry sites. Open woods.

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

Fruit may be used for jams and jellies. It's naturally rich in pectin, so don't add any when making the jelly.  Also used for making cider.

General Comments:

Grow in sites with good air circulation.



Listed as Threatened by the FDACS.  Please acquire only from reputable sources with appropriate permits.

Citations:

Florida Wildflower Foundation. (2021). Flower Friday: Southern Crab Apple. ( https://flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-malus-angustifolia/ ). Accessed 2026. Florida Wildflower Foundation, Maitland.


Haehle, Robert G. and Joan Brookwell. (1999). Native Florida Plants. Gulf Publishing Company. Houston, TX.


Nelson, Gil. (2003). Florida's Best Landscape Plants: 200 Readily Available Species for Homeowners and Professionals. University Press of Florida, Gainesville.


Watkins, John and Thomas Sheehan. (1975). Florida Landscape Plants, Native and Exotic. University Presses of Florida, Gainesville.


Wunderlin, R. P., B. F. Hansen, A. R. Franck, and F. B. Essig. (1999+). Atlas of Florida Plants. ( https://florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/ ). [S. M. Landry and K. N. Campbell (application development), USF Water Institute.] Institute for Systematic Botany, University of South Florida, Tampa.

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