A crab apple is a small to medium ornamental tree known for its blossom in spring and colourful fruit in autumn. It’s part of the same family as eating apples but produces much smaller, sharper fruit. Many people grow them for their shape, flowers, and the seasonal interest they add to gardens. Varieties like James Grieve or Malus Red Sentinel are especially popular for their visual appeal and reliable growth.

Yes, though not usually eaten raw. The fruit is far too sour for most people to enjoy straight from the tree, but it’s great for making jelly, chutney, or even a sharp cider. Some varieties, such as the Rudolph, are known for producing fruit that cooks down well and keeps its flavour.

Definitely. They’re one of the best wildlife-friendly trees you can plant. The spring blossom draws in bees and other pollinators early in the season, and the fruit provides food for birds into autumn and winter. The dense branches also offer shelter, making them useful year-round.

It depends on the variety, but most grow to somewhere between 3 and 8 metres tall, with a similar spread. If space is limited, there are more compact types available that suit small gardens or can be kept pruned to size.

Most are self-fertile, so they’ll fruit on their own. That said, if there’s another apple or crab apple tree nearby, you may see heavier cropping. They’re also useful as pollination partners for other apple varieties.

They’re easygoing. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Water regularly while the tree is getting established, then less often after that. A light prune in winter or early spring helps keep the shape tidy, but they don’t need much else.