apple tree

[nightshade]

I came across a crab-apple tree the other day birds seemed to love them so I took a closer look the apple was orangy red streaked with yellow about 15mm in dia. It was reasonably sweet as well. Does anyone know what type?

[Pat]

Where I walk the dogs we have three of these trees and as soon as the dogs are let off their leads they can't get to the fruit quick enough, they seem to be finding them most of the winter ( Labs have strong stomachs ! ) I didn't know there were different kinds of crabapple, these trees are the same as you saw.

[henrya]

There are lots of different varieties of Crabapple, some of which will not have names. Nightshade's might also be a true Apple - size of fruits is not necessarily diagnostic. If you go back, look to see if the leaves are slightly hairy underneath.

henrya

[nightshade]

There are I believe 25 types of wild crabapple,and at least 6 cultivars all of which are good for birds etc.
the orange and yellow are beloved of foxes

[nightshade]

Along our local bypass are a number of apple trees of an old english type,I
cannot reach them easily as they are ontop of an embankment from the landward side and obviously the traffic from the road
the apples are green and slightly pointed with ridges that make them look panelled,but the main thing is the carnage on the road under them, dead badgers foxes even corvids,surely no animal would ignore these grisly warnings in pursuit of apples?(they look sour to me but i may climb up to find out)

[henrya]

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but the main thing is the carnage on the road under them, dead badgers foxes even corvids,surely no animal would ignore these grisly warnings in pursuit of apples?
Endquote

But the live animals can't see the connection between the dead animals and the apples. And even if they could, would it make a difference (or why do some human animals carry on smoking, for example?)?

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(they look sour to me but i may climb up to find out)
Endquote

If you do, post some pictures (side view, stalk end and flower end) and take measurements, and we may be able to name the variety.


henrya

[nightshade]

henrya I could not get to the green apples, but I did manage to get one of the sweet crab apples,no leaves unfortunately,here is a pic.