The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: Iowa crab apple, prairie crab apple

Family: Rosaceae (rose family)

Distribution: s.-c. and e.-c. United States

IUCN Red list: Least concern

Hardiness: USDA Zone 2

Life form: Deciduous tree

Comments: This woody deciduous plant grows as a small tree or large shrub with a broad spreading crown. It is native to the state in open prairie habitats. Expect a height of 15-20' tall and probably somewhat wider. Light pink to nearly white petals open in mid-April to early May and develop into small red crab apples. Use as a wildlife plant in a naturalistic landscape.