Currant Crabapple (Malus baccata ‘Currant’) is a charming small ornamental tree prized for its profusion of delicate white spring blossom followed by masses of red fruit, resembling red currants, that persist into winter. A selection of the hardy Siberian crabapple, it has long been valued in cold climates for both beauty and resilience. It’s one of our favourite crabapples at Heritage Fruit Trees. The fine-textured foliage and graceful habit make it well suited to smaller gardens and as a seasonal feature tree.
- Flowers: White tinged with blush pink when opening, lightly fragrant; mid-spring, October
- Fruit: Very attractive red
- Harvest: March-April
- Size: About 3-5 m (h) × 3–5 m (w)
- Uses: Ornamental feature tree, cut flower and fruit, pollinator support, cold-climate gardens
- Attributes: Extremely hardy, frost tolerant, adaptable to a range of soils, reliable flowering and fruiting
- Features: Masses of red fruit persisting into winter; fine foliage; attractive seasonal interest; preserves and jelly production
- Also known as: Siberian crabapple; Malus baccata (species)
References include:
Dirr, M. A. (2009). Manual of woody landscape plants (6th ed.). Stipes Publishing.
Spongberg, S. A. (1990). A reunion of trees: The discovery of exotic plants and their introduction into North American and European landscapes. Harvard University Press.
Royal Horticultural Society. (n.d.). Malus baccata.
Images: Copyright Heritage Fruit Trees
