Crabapple
Malus x 'Branzam'
Crabapple (Malus x 'Branzam') is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 15–20 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Large messy fruits.
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended for Most Sites
- Botanical name
- Malus x 'Branzam'
- Variety / cultivar
- BRANDYWINE®
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 15–20 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~20 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- pink, white
- Bloom time
- mid spring, late spring
- Pollinator value
- high
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
- Fireblight (bacterial; worse in warm, wet springs)
- Cedar-apple rust
- Codling moth on fruiting types
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Crabapple good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Crabapple is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Crabapple get?
- It matures to about 15–20 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide.
- How much room does Crabapple need?
- Give Crabapple about 20 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Crabapple grow into?
- Crabapple typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Crabapple hardy on the Front Range?
- Crabapple is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does Crabapple need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Crabapple grow?
- Crabapple is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Crabapple live?
- Crabapple has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Crabapple safe for dogs?
- No. Crabapple is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Crabapple deer-resistant?
- No. Crabapple is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Crabapple prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Crabapple can be affected by fireblight (bacterial; worse in warm and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
