Pacific crabapple
Malus fusca
Last reviewed: October 2026
Pacific crabapple (Malus fusca) is a perennial tree native to CA, OR, WA. It blooms in April and May. The flowers draw bees.
Toxicity unknown
Pacific crabapple (Malus fusca) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
240"–480" H × 180"–300" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
CA, OR, WA
Pollinators
bees
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
This crabapple is a deciduous tree, often multi-trunked and thicket-forming, with white to pink spring blossoms followed by small tart red-purple fruit. It grows along riparian corridors and other wetland edges.
Growing Pacific crabapple
Grow Pacific crabapple in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 240 to 480 inches tall and spread 180 to 300 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Host plant for Lorquin's Admiral.
The spring blossoms are visited by bees, the small fruit persists into winter as food for birds, and the foliage is a documented larval host for the Lorquin's Admiral butterfly.
Common questions
- How much sun does Pacific crabapple need?
- Pacific crabapple grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Pacific crabapple bloom?
- Pacific crabapple blooms in April and May.
- Where is Pacific crabapple native?
- Pacific crabapple (Malus fusca) is native to CA, OR, WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What butterflies or moths does Pacific crabapple host?
- Pacific crabapple is a larval host plant for Lorquin's Admiral.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Pacific crabapple? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.