Sargent Crabapple
Malus toringo (MAY-lus tor-ING-oh)
Sargent Crabapple is a flowering, deciduous shrub or small tree, native to Asia, with dense branching, a weeping habit, and a moderate growth rate. It tends to have a greater spread than height, 15 feet wide and 9 feet high at maturity. In spring, it produces pale pink buds and fragrant white flowers that are edible in small quantities. The fruit is edible, but not usually used in cooking. They do attract birds, however. The genus name comes from the Latin for apple. The species name honors Charles Sargent, the first director of Harvard University's Arnold Arboretum. Sargent Crabapple does best in full sun, moist, well-drained soil. It tolerates most soil types including acidic loams and clay. The tree has some tolerance for drought once it is established and can be pruned in late winter. Avoid spring pruning, which can produce cuts that encourage firebright bacterium. Sargent Crabapple works well as a hedge and is highly resistant to scab. However, this tree is frequently damaged by deer. M. toringo is the older name for this plant and the one typically used, however, it can also be found under the name M. sieboldii . Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: Sargent Crabapple is generally disease free. However, it can be susceptible to apple scab, leaf spot and fire blight, tent caterpillars, aphids, Japanese beetles, borers, spider mites and scale. More information on Malus .
Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 59 attributes.