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Malus coronaria - (L.)Mill.

Common Name Garland Crab, Sweet crab apple
Family Rosaceae
USDA hardiness 4-8
Known Hazards All members of this genus contain the toxin hydrogen cyanide in their seeds and possibly also in their leaves, but not in their fruits. Hydrogen cyanide is the substance that gives almonds their characteristic taste but it should only be consumed in very small quantities. Apple seeds do not normally contain very high quantities of hydrogen cyanide but, even so, should not be consumed in very large quantities. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.
Habitats Bottoms, wooded slopes, thickets and clearings[43] in most soil types and moisture levels[159].
Range Eastern N. America - New York to South Carolina, west to Kansas.
Edibility Rating    (3 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Wet Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Malus coronaria Garland Crab, Sweet crab apple


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Per_Palmkvist_Knudsen
Malus coronaria Garland Crab, Sweet crab apple
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. 3 vols. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. Vol. 2

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of lolypop
Malus coronaria is a deciduous Tree growing to 7 m (23ft) by 7 m (23ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses: Pectin

Fruit - raw or cooked[159, 161]. Fairly large, it is up to 5cm in diameter[200]. Harsh and acid[11], it is mainly used for jellies[183] but can be eaten raw when it is fully ripe[101]. The fruits can be buried in the ground overwinter and will have lost much of their acidity by the spring[183]. The fruit can also be dried and stored for later use[257]. Rich in pectin, so it can be added to pectin-low fruits when making jams or jellies[226]. Pectin is also said to protect the body against radiation[201].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Abortifacient  Astringent  Birthing aid  Emmenagogue  Lithontripic  Ophthalmic

An infusion of the bark has been used to ease a difficult birth and also in the treatment of gallstones, piles and as a wash for sore mouths[257]. A cold infusion of the bark has been used as a wash for black eyes, sore eyes and snow blindness[257]. A decoction of the root has been used to treat suppressed menses and so can cause an abortion, especially early in the pregnancy[257].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Pectin  Rootstock  Wood

The plant can be used as a rootstock for cultivated apples, conferring a greater hardiness[226]. Wood - heavy, close-grained, not strong[46, 82, 229]. It weighs 43lb per cubic foot[235]. Used for making levers, the handles of tools, small domestic items and fuel[46, 82, 229].

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife  Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most fertile soils, preferring a moisture retentive well-drained loamy soil[1, 200]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a sunny position but succeeds in partial shade, though it fruits less well in such a situation[200]. A slow-growing and short-lived tree in the wild[229]. The fruit is a good wildlife food source, especially for birds[200]. The flowers are sweetly scented[245]. This species is closely related to M. ionensis[1]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. It usually germinates in late winter. Stored seed requires stratification for 3 months at 1°c and should be sown in a cold frame as soon as it is received[200]. It might not germinate for 12 months or more. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. If given a rich compost they usually grow away quickly and can be large enough to plant out in late summer, though consider giving them some protection from the cold in their first winter. Otherwise, keep them in pots in a cold frame and plant them out in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of mature wood, November in a frame[11].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Author

(L.)Mill.

Botanical References

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