Sweet Crab Apple
Malus coronaria
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
240"–480" H × 180"–360" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, DE, GA and 18 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Sweet crab apple produces fragrant white to pink flowers in late spring, followed by small yellow-green fruits. It typically grows 20-40 feet tall with a rounded crown and provides excellent seasonal interest with spring blooms and fall color.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sweet Crab Apple is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, mid zone, street edge.
- Fruit drop may require occasional cleanup
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles in late spring. The small fruits are eaten by birds and wildlife throughout fall and winter.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Sweet Crab Apple fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.