Malus spp. (may’-lus )
Family: Rosaceae, Rose

Key Steps

• 1b – Alternate leaf arrangement — go to 18
  • 18a – Leaf simple — go to 19
    • 19b – Thornless — go to 22
      • 22d – All leaves lobed — go to 23
        • 23a – Pinnate venation — go to 24
          • 24b – Leaves not clustered toward stem tip. Pith not 5-angled — go to 29
            • 29c – Short, rounded lobes with serrated margins. Hair on tip of young stems and on tips of bud scales. Spur shoots (short, compacted branches) are present — Crabapple

Description

Leaf: 2-4 inches long. 1-2 inches wide, toothed margin. Pinnate venation. Some species may have lobed leaves.

Bud: Bud scales open up to expose gray-white hairs. Buds are about 1/4 inch long, and a little rounded at the end. The hair on the tip of the bud is more obvious closer to spring.

Leaf Scar: Small, crescent, 3 bundle scars.

Stem: Branch may be hairy right at tip of newest growth. Fruit spur branches are present (very short branches).

Bark: Varies. Some species have very mottled, attractive appearance.

Flower: Clusters, fragrant, 5 petals, lots of stamens, generally 1-2 inches across. Terminal flower on cluster opens first then progresses backwards.

Fruit: Small, apple, ranging in size and color (yellows to reds)

Habit: Small to medium sized ornamental. Various shapes. From 12 to 25 feet tall.

Culture: Moderate moisture requirement. Well-drained soils. Full sun.

Resources

• Identifying Broadleaf Flowering Trees and Shrubs, CMG GardenNotes #173
• List of trees in this key
• Glossary of Terms
• Front Range Tree Recommendation List
• Online CSU Extension publications on Tree and Shrub Selection