To: "'North American Fruit Explorers'" <nafex@lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: [NAFEX] Crab vs. Standard apple trees?
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2011 21:34:16 -0400
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.