PACIFIC CRAB APPLE • Malus fusca

This species of tree can also be a large shrub, 2-12 m tall. For defense against predators this tree has sharp spur-shoots.

The leaves are alternate, deciduous lance or egg shaped. Pointed at the end with toothed irregular lives that turn yellow-orange in autumn.

Flowers are usually white but can be tinged pink. Has the most amazing apple blossom scent. Flowers are clustered 5-12 on the sharp spur-shoots.

The fruit this tree provides starts off green then turns yellow or reddish. Small at only 10-15 cm. It is edible but tends to be really tart.

The tree likes moist woods, swamps, edge of stands, and flowing water. Can also be found on upper beaches of the Pacific north-west.

Like previously mentioned the small clustered apples are tart, but they were and still are an important food for virtually all coastal peoples and wildlife. The best time to gather the apples is in late summer and early fall. They were eaten fresh or stored under water, or stored in a mixture of water and oil, in cedar wood storage boxes. Because of the natural acidity of the fruit, they do not require preservation; they will just get softer and sweeter with time. The bark was also used, alone or with other plants, for a number of medicinal treatments. This includes treatment for the eyes, stomach and digestive tract. CRAB APPLE BARK CONTAINS CYANIDE-PRODUCING COMPOUNDS, AND SHOULD BE USED WITH EXTREME CAUTION.


Photography by sapper11g
Location Olympia, Washigton