The wild apple is becoming increasingly rare, but many nature lovers are discovering the benefits of this species and planting them in the garden for a natural character. Anyone who takes into account the sensitive demands on the location will benefit from the ecological and aesthetic benefits.
The wild apple grows nice and dense and is therefore also suitable as a privacy screen
location
The Latin name Malus sylvestris, which means forest apple tree, gives an indication of the natural habitat. The wild apple inhabits forest edges of swamp and alluvial forests as well as stony mountain slopes. In the meantime, the crab apple has become rare in nature because the growing conditions for it have become increasingly unfavorable since the 1960s. Seeds need warm soil and a low-competition environment to germinate. They are quickly pushed out by the rapidly growing vegetation.
The ideal location in the garden:
- sunny locations
- airy location
- light-flooded area
hedge design
Due to its competitive weakness, the wild apple is suitable as a solitary tree. Its short height and spreading crown make the crab apple an ideal hedge plant. It tolerates pruning well, but is not recommended for dense privacy hedges due to its low growth. Malus sylvestris is ideal as a loose windbreak hedge.
The shrub feels particularly good when it can spread undisturbed. Therefore, it should not be missing in the natural garden. You should leave the crab apple to flourish to its fullest. The wood harmonises with hawthorn and dog rose in a flowering bird protection hedge. In addition to copper pear, sloe, mulberry and cornel it comes into its own.
Ecological and aesthetic value
The wild apple develops countless flowers in spring, the petals of which are pink to white in color. They attract numerous wild bees and bumblebees. The wild apple is considered a pollinator tree for the cultivated apple.
The fruits ripen in the fall, turning the woody plant into an attractive shrub of green to yellow and sometimes red apples. They reach a diameter of 3.5 centimeters and can be harvested and processed. If you leave the fruit hanging, you offer birds a richly laid table. These mainly specialize in fruits and seeds during the winter months, when there are no insects flying.
Here's how you can use fruit:
- for juicing
- for the production of jellies and jams
- to dry