The fruit may be the size of a pea — ¼ to ⅓ inches, with a calyx on it still when ripe, or up to 1 ½ inches (3 cm) wide, with the calyx falling off as it ripens. Small ones may be yellow, often with a reddish blush, or a glossy red. Small ones may stay on the tree all through the winter. Larger ones may also be pale yellow with bright red flushes, sometimes with a blue bloom.
Siberian Crab Apples are among the largest crabapple trees, up to 50 feet (15 metres) tall. They have pink buds that open to be white blossoms, and long leaves.
The trees are drought and cold resistant, and salt tolerant. They are often used as graft stock for apple trees for cold winter areas.
There are two main types: Pyrus baccata and Pyrus prunifolia (which some think are a naturally occurring hybrid between baccata and common apples — Pyrus Malus.) Some say therefore that the true one is Pyrus baccata.
One variety sometimes called Yellow Siberian has largish fruits. Another relatively large-sized fruit one is often called Red Siberian to distinguish it. The larger fruiting varieties may be Malus baccata x prunifolia = M. x robusta .
The flesh has a tart taste.
The fruit ripens September / October.
Cooking Tips
Good for cooking.
Sources
Budd, J.L. American Horticultural Manual Vol2. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. London. 1902.
Gilman, Edward F. & Dennis G. Watson. Malus baccata: Siberian Crabapple. Document # ENH-556. Environmental Horticulture Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Gainsville, Florida. 1993.
Hanson, N.E. Wisconsin State Horticultural Society / Annual report of the Wisconsin State Horticultural Society for the year 1907
Herman, Dale E., ed., et al. North Dakota Tree Handbook. North Dakota State Soil Conservation Committee. Bismarck, North Dakota. 1996. p III-78.