North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["Michele Stanton" <6ducks@gmail.com>]

AS I understand it, the difference between crabs and 'regular' apples is the
size of the fruit.  A crabapple is a fruit that is (normally) less than 2"
in diameter.  It doesn't have to be astringent or wild-type to qualify.

-----Original Message-----
From: nafex-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org
[mailto:nafex-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Richard MURPHY
Sent: Friday, April 29, 2011 5:17 PM
To: nafex
Subject: [NAFEX] Crab vs. Standard apple trees?


I have a stupid question (yes, add it to my pile)
 
What is the Botanical difference between a Crab apple and a 'standard'
apple?
 
Do all young apple trees have those little spikey looking branches?
Does that only happen to seedling trees?
Is there a book or a paper describing these physical traits, if any actually
exist?
I've been growing apple seedlings for about 4 years now, with a lot of
variation.
Mostly for use as rootstocks and experiments.
This year I planted 9 Jonafree seeds and 9 Hidden Rose seeds just for
ha-has.
The other little seedling from last years planting are 'Rte. 2 Crabs' from
Farmington, ME
They are really small.
 
PS   Jonafree appears to take longer to break dormancy than my Braeburb and
Wolf River.
Possibly a good tree for late-frost threats, like my z4 place.
 
Murph

R A Murphy Jr

                                          
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