When it comes to distinguishing between a crabapple tree and an apple tree, it’s not just a joke. It’s a genuine question that may arise when you see a tree in your yard bearing what appears to be apples.
Both crabapple trees and regular apple trees belong to the genus Malus, but the apples you typically think of come from trees classified as Malus domestica. There are numerous types of crabapple trees with hundreds of cultivars, while there are thousands of named apple cultivars. So, comparing apple trees and crabapple trees based on appearance and growth is not straightforward.
However, there are some fundamental ways to differentiate between the two. The most obvious way is by observing their fruit – apples are generally larger than crabapples. Crabapples are usually under 2 inches in diameter, with some as small as 1/4 inch, while apples typically grow to at least 2 inches in diameter, if not larger.
Other ways to tell apple trees and crabapple trees apart
While it’s simpler to distinguish between crabapple trees and apple trees when they are fruiting, you can still tell them apart throughout the year. Both trees typically have oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges that grow alternately on branches. They also produce beautiful flowers that are usually white or pink.
The timing of flowering can be a clue – crabapple varieties usually bloom from April to early June, while apple tree varieties have a wider range of bloom times, with early-season trees blooming in spring and late-season trees blooming in late summer. Additionally, the overall size of the tree can provide a hint, as crabapple trees are generally smaller than apple trees due to their smaller fruit size. On average, crabapple trees are around 15 to 20 feet tall, while standard apple tree varieties can reach up to 30 feet in height. By paying attention to these details, you can determine whether you are dealing with a crabapple tree or an apple tree.
