Malus Trilobata Crabapple Tree

Malus Trilobata, Lebanese Wild Apple or Trilobata Crab Apple
The Malus trilobata crab apple, commonly called the Lebanese Wild Apple or the Trilobata Crab Apple, is a deciduous crab apple tree. Its native homeland encompasses Asia, Syria, Lebanon, South Anatolia, Israel, Bulgaria and eastern Greece. Native trees can be still be found in the Mount Lebanon Range where they thrive at an altitude of 1,000 to 1,500 meters.

Malus trilobata has maple-like leaves that are deeply lobed, so it is distinct-looking from other crab apple varieties. In the autumn, the foliage turns a brilliant red. During the spring months, large white flowers cover the tree. The blooms often measure 4 centimeters across. Following flowering, the tree produces greenish fruit that often develops a red flush during the hot summer months. The fruit is a favourite food source for woodland creatures and birds. This is a rare but very showy tree.

Height and Spread of the Malus trilobata
The Lebanese Wild Apple grows to a height of 8 metres with a canopy width of about 4 metres.

Hardiness of the Malus tribota
This crabapple tree is hardy to UK zone 6, meaning fully hardy even in very cold winters.

How to use the Malus tribota
The petite size of the Trilobata Crab Apple makes it a perfect tree choice for any sized garden. It is exceptionally showy during the spring and summer months, so plant it somewhere that it can be readily admired.

How to Care for the Malus tribota
Plant the Malus tribota crabapple in full sun for the best growth. It can be planted in partial shade but its flower production will be dramatically reduced. The tree grows best in fertile loamy soil that is well-draining. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged, after planting the tree to encourage a strong root system. Once the tree is fully established, it is moderately drought tolerant.

If you are looking for an ornamental fruit tree that is stunning during the spring months, provides food for birds during the summer, and turns a brilliant reddish hue in the autumn then you won’t be disappointed with the Malus tribota crabapple. It will become a treasured landscape addition.