Considered by many to be the best fruiting crab apple, this is a small deciduous native tree that produces clusters of white/pink flowers in April and May, followed by edible bright red (and occasionally orange) crab apples suitable for jam and jelly making. The foliage turns shades of red and gold in autumn. Although it grows quite quickly, it never becomes a large tree and its flowers, fruit, autumn foliage and reasonable size combine to make it an excellent specimen or ornamental tree for the smaller garden. It flowers and fruits best in a sunny position.
Height 8m (26ft), Spread 7m (23ft), 20-50 years to maturity.