Crabapple
Malus domestica
In Celtic culture, apple flowers and fruits represent motherhood and maternal instinct. Bedchambers were decorated with apple blossoms as a fertility gesture and tribute to the beauty and bounty life provides. Throughout Chinese history, symbolism of apple blossoms has been integral to decorative arts. Ceramics depicting both crabapple flowers and peonies convey the phrase “mantang fugui,” which means “May the whole family achieve wealth and honor.”
In spring flowering crabapples draw numerous birds and insect pollinators, including native bees and honey-bees. Baltimore Orioles and various migrating and breeding warblers probe among the petals for nectar and also glean small insects and their larvae.
In autumn crabapple fruits are eaten by many birds, including Wood Thrushes, waxwings, robins, catbirds, bluebirds, vireos and others.
