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How can I tell between an apple and crab apple tree?

UK, United Kingdom Gb

I have noticed that there is some sort of apple/crab apple tree growing in the school playground. The tree is unpruned and left alone. I have tasted the fruits which are now turning red and they are sweet but not as sweet as normal red apples. Could it be a crab apple or an unpruned and thus small fruited apple tree?




Answers

 

A 'crab' apple is simply a wild apple tree, although there are specific varieties like John Downie, Golden Hornet etc. Lots of named varieties of apple started from pips, and are known as 'Seedlings' as in Bramley's seedling.
So there really isn't any difference except that generally 'crabs' have smaller fruit which are acid or not very sweet.
If the fruit on this little tree is edible it may be just a chance seedling which has luckily come close to its parent.
If not, like most 'proper' apple trees it will have been grafted. Look low down on the stem to see if you can see if it has been grafted by the bulge where the root stock and the grafted wood have united.
Sorry for such a wordy reply. I always did suffer from verbal diahorrea!

13 Aug, 2009

 

Bertiefox: We ask questions because we want a reply. In this case, the more information the better. Never stop with the wordy replies! They are certainly apreciated from me.

13 Aug, 2009

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