Crabapple-Malus 'Spring Snow'

Something to Ponder:

The 'Spring Snow' Crabapple is a beautiful tree, especially in the spring when its white flowers become a focal point for any garden or landscape. This tree was discovered relatively recently, in 1963, growing in Saskatchewan, Canada and since then has been used extensively in streetscapes.

"Spring Snow" is resistant to drought and disease and is a fast grower that attracts attention during any season of the year. In fact, it has been called “showy” and “stunning”. Compared to other crabapple trees, however, the Spring Snow Crabapple is unique in that it bears no fruit. This is considered a plus for landscapers as there is no “messy fruit” but limits the trees attractiveness to other wildlife.

This tree stands as a good reminder for all people of faith. Public displays of piety certainly can be attractive and beautiful, but if there is no fruit as a result, no personal and private conviction, there is little impact. I Corinthians 13:1 puts it like this: If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or clanging symbol.”

So let us thank God for a truly beautiful tree. Let this Spring Snow Crabapple remind us that God enjoys our “messy fruit” and wants us to be so much more than picture perfect.

Learn More:

Crabapple Tree-Malus 'Spring Snow', a fruitless Crabapple, Malus ‘Spring Snow’ is an upright, broad-rounded deciduous tree with a profusion of fragrant, pure white flowers in mid spring. Draped in clusters along the branches, they are truly a sight to behold. A full sun lover, this tree is easily grown in moderately fertile, well-drained soils. Its use should be limited in areas where scab, fireblight or rust is a problem. The dense, oval crown grows to about 25 to 30 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide at a rate of 13 to 24 inches a year. Pollen from a crabapple tree will pollinate most apple trees provided they blossom at the same time. When you are planting apple trees in a new garden, plant a crabapple within 50 feet to ensure good pollination.