Pruning Oregon crabapple is a fairly easy task if you know what to look for. To prune these trees, you will need a pair of sharp pruning shears. Using your pruning shears, remove any damaged or diseased parts of the tree. Keep an eye out for any shoots that are becoming congested or are beginning to cross and remove them. Ideally, you should steer clear from pruning any of the tree’s lower limbs. Leaving these intact will allow the tree to have a more natural and open form. Additionally, leaving the lower limbs alone will help to prevent any disease-inducing stress, as well as suckers from forming.
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The oregon crabapple’s small, yellowish to red fruits are elongated instead of round, making them easy to distinguish from other crabapples. It is a food source for Native American tribes; it can be used for jellying and its high acidity makes preservation easy. While the fruits are edible, other parts like the leaves and seeds may contain a toxin that can be fatal.
Garden Use
Plants of the Malus genus are often cultivated in courtyards, though some dwarfing varieties can be planted in pots. They are easy to care for and have clear, beautiful flowers in pink or white, and elegant leaves. They often produce delicious fruits in fall.