Tschonoskii Flowering Crab

If you are not familiar with Tschonoskii Flowering Crab by now, you should be. Malus ‘Tschonoskii’ has some fine attributes that make it stand out and should certainly be special enough to get on your Street Tree List. The relatively consistent red fall color is the most striking, the only crab I can think of, with such a brilliant fall color. The tree also has very upright growth, important as a street tree and some what unusual for a flowering crab. With such ascending limbs, the mature shape appears like it will keep it a relatively narrow form. Branch attachment appears good on a strong central leader. Because of its ultimate height, Tschonoskii does not appear to be a tree that is proper to grow under power lines, so watch what you are planting under and near.

Emerging leaves are frosty white around fat light pink flower buds opening to white petals, not spectacular, but nice. Disease resistance is said to be good, but I have seen a little scab. The more open and airy the site, the better.

I have been told that the fruit can be a bit of a nuisance. The crab apples are larger than a marble, but in a wide enough planting bed, the other qualities should make up for it. I am always looking for more narrow upright growing trees and this is another one to remember. As always, let me know your experiences with Tschonoskii Flowering Crab at jimb-ufsinc@wavecable.com.