American Crabapple

Pyrus coronaria

Family Rosaceae
Notable Features
Leaves: Leaves small and rounded, with a heart-shaped or rounded base. Leaf edges finely toothed*; smooth and hairless.
Twigs/Buds: Twigs smooth and hairless, with sharply pointed, long, and hairless buds*.
Bark: Bark rough, with long vertical cracks; dark gray in color.
Fruit/ Flowers: Extremely fragrant flowers appear March through May; may be either pink or white in color. In September light green to reddish colored, bitter fruits appear, 1¼ to 2 inches (3-5 centimeters) in diameter.
Size/ Shape: A small tree, 6 to 14 feet (2-4 meters) in height, which can form small thickets when planted close together.
Location on Campus

(click for map)
Crabapples are common on campus. They can easily be found in the garden between the Shapiro Campus Center and the science buildings, as well as along the path between Rosenthal Quad and the main library.
Uses
The bitter fruits can be collected in early fall and can be eaten raw or can be made into excellent jellies and jams due to the high amount of pectin* that they contain.
Except where specifically noted, all text, photographs, and drawings copyright Chris Bersbach and Lisa Leombruni 2002. No part of this page may be reproduced without the express permission of the authors.