I have a tree that gets small little cherry sized fruit on it. I want to know are these crabapple? I thought they were bigger. This tree colors up in the spring, and is loaded with these little red things. I cut one oppen and it looks like an apple inside, with seeds in a circle, instead of a pit. (I was hoping for a cherry tree:o) Are these O.K. to eat? I have tried to find a good pict. on the net and can not. Thanks for any help!! :o)

-- Brenda (brenclark@alltel.net), September 18, 2001

Answers

These are most likely decorative crabs. There are some that are only pea size up through cherry size. Most people dont want the mess of real fruit trees anymore, so nurseries came up with what I call non-functional fruit trees. You get the pretty blooms, and you may or may not get tiny fruit that hangs on tree all winter and birds can peck at. It wont hurt you to eat it, but dont think its worth the effort. Seems one of old useable varieties was called Dolgo or something like that, even had red flesh so made nice pink sauce. About golfball size. Then there was Whitney which was a large crab, almost a small regular apple. Little smaller than a tennisball if I remember. Been so long since I've even seen one, cant remember much more than that about it.

-- Hermit John (hermit@hilltop_homestead.zzn.com), September 19, 2001.

Hi Brenda, I have that kind of ornamental crab tree too. Pretty red little mini apples but boys oh boys they are bitter (I tried one to taste). The birds enjoy them in winter so its not a total waste. My neighbor has the kind that Hermit John was talking about and it makes a lovely jelly! Very pretty and quite tasty too.

-- Alison in NS (aproteau@istar.ca), September 19, 2001.

Thanks for the info. It is a really pretty tree. I guess I will leave it for the birds, of which there are many. :o) (I planted two regular apple trees this year, but I like to use anything I can!!) Brenda

-- Brenda (brenclark@alltel.net), September 19, 2001.