In a message dated 1/12/01 12:55:12 AM, lonrom@hevanet.com writes:
<< M. fusca can grow in wetter soils (I've seen them
growing partly IN water) than any other apple and according to Dr. Westwood,
is the most resistant to fireblight of all apples. >>
I don't know about the claim for wet soils, Lon. I've seen a native
crabapple in Ireland that was sort of their "mayhaw of the swamps," growing
exclusively in wet soils and often under water where rainfall averages more
than an inch per day. The idea of using such species as rootstocks to extend
places where we can grow fruit is one I support, though, as you know.