Golden Raindrops® Crabapple
Malus x 'Schmidtcutleaf'
Golden Raindrops® Crabapple (Malus x 'Schmidtcutleaf') is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Not Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 15 to 20 ft tall and 15 to 20 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Fireblight susceptibility, choose disease-resistant cultivars.
low to medium water15 to 20 ft tall and 15 to 20 ft wideXeric / water-wiseToxic to dogs
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Alexander Dubynin, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: no rights reserved
- Photo 3: (c) Alexander Dubynin, some rights reserved (CC BY)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4 to 8
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0 to 8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 15 to 20 ft tall and 15 to 20 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~20 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- mid spring, late spring
- Bloom color
- pink, white
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Deer often browse this
- Colorado native
- No
Also worth knowing
- Fire rating
- Not rated
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Insects & DiseasesMain pressure here is Fireblight and Cedar-apple rust, so keep it vigorous with steady water and a well-chosen site.
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 to 10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1 to 2×/month October to 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 Golden Raindrops® Crabapple good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Golden Raindrops® Crabapple is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Not Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- Why is Golden Raindrops® Crabapple not recommended on the Front Range?
- The main catches here: Main pressure here is Fireblight and Cedar-apple rust, so keep it vigorous with steady water and a well-chosen site.
- How big does Golden Raindrops® Crabapple get?
- It matures to about 15 to 20 ft tall and 15 to 20 ft wide.
- How much room does Golden Raindrops® Crabapple need?
- Give Golden Raindrops® Crabapple about 20 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Golden Raindrops® Crabapple grow into?
- Golden Raindrops® 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 Golden Raindrops® Crabapple hardy on the Front Range?
- Golden Raindrops® Crabapple is hardy in USDA 4 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Golden Raindrops® Crabapple need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Golden Raindrops® Crabapple grow?
- Golden Raindrops® Crabapple is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Golden Raindrops® Crabapple live?
- Golden Raindrops® Crabapple has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Golden Raindrops® Crabapple safe for dogs?
- No. Golden Raindrops® Crabapple is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Golden Raindrops® Crabapple deer-resistant?
- No. Deer often browse Golden Raindrops® Crabapple, so plan on protecting it where deer roam.
- Is Golden Raindrops® Crabapple prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Golden Raindrops® 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.
