Professor Sprenger Crabapple – Malus ‘Professor Sprenger’
Professor Sprenger Crabapple, from a planting, is 11 years old. [2]
Family Rosaceae – Rose Family; Fruit Trees
This lovely crab offers attractive dark green foliage and red buds opening into stunning white blossoms, all wrapped up in an open-crowned form. Outstanding 1/2″ orange fruit add winter interest and food for wildlife (probably a mess on your patio, too, if you planted too close to the house).
There are about 55 different species in the genus Malus, and there are innumerable cultivars available in the landscape trade. The Morton Arboretum’s Crabapple Collection was started in 1924. Part of this collection on the West Side participated in the National Crabapple Evaluation Program which evaluated new and disease-resistant varieties. As a result of the multi-year evaluation and additions, it has transformed into the West Side Malus collection which now contains 60 different kinds and over 140 specimens with highly desirable qualities.
Most Morton Arboretum crabapples are planted in threes – I like to call them triptychs or triumvirates, and I always think of them as females. I’ll revisit in a few years and see how they are doing. I’ve had the most fun shooting trees, especially crabapples, at the Morton. Crabapple Lake in the springtime is not to be missed!
References
1. Morton Arboretum, Crabapple: A Tree For All Seasons
2. Professor Sprenger Crabapple, Morton Arboretum acc. 363-98*1, photos: Bruce Marlin
3. Morton Arboretum, Crabapples for the Home Landscape
4. Morton Arboretum, Plant Health Care Report, Issue 2009.07, May 22- May 28, 2009
Family Rosaceae – Rose Family; Fruit Trees
Trees Index | Pine Family | Beech, Oak | Nut Trees | Birch Family | Magnolias
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