Pictorial guide to the flora of the British Isles

Home ⟩ Pictorial Guide ⟩ Rosaceae ⟩ Malus sylvestris / crab apple

Malus sylvestris (L.) Mill.

crab apple (Rosaceae)

 SpreadBias within British IslesDirection of bias
Very widespreadNegligible tendencySE
Plant Atlas 2020
BSBI Distribution Map

The fruits of Malus sylvestris, crab apples, are smaller than cultivated apples (Malus domestica), and are borne on hairless stalks.

Byfield (VC32: Northamptonshire); 2015-08-20

 crab apple / Malus sylvestris: The fruits of _Malus sylvestris_, crab apples, are smaller than cultivated apples (_Malus domestica_), and are borne on hairless stalks.

The leaves of Malus sylvestris are also almost hairless on both sides.

Byfield (VC32: Northamptonshire); 2015-08-20

 crab apple / Malus sylvestris: The leaves of _Malus sylvestris_ are also almost hairless on both sides.

Malus sylvestris has large, white flowers with no hairs on the outside of the sepals, unlike the domesticated Malus domestica.

Netherton (VC22: Berkshire); 2018-04-25

 crab apple / Malus sylvestris: _Malus sylvestris_ has large, white flowers with no hairs on the outside of the sepals, unlike the domesticated _Malus domestica_.

All images copyright © Christopher J. Dixon unless otherwise indicated.

L-R: Bidens tripartita, Melilotus officinalis, Mimulus guttatus, Thalictrum flavum, Ranunculus peltatus, Anchusa arvensis, Malva alcea, Lolium perenne