Apple, Crab

The Crab Apple Tree, one of the ancestors of the cultivated apple, is a broadleaved deciduous tree, that can grow to a height of 12 m, and may live for 100 years.
They have an irregular rounded shape and a wide spreading canopy. With greyish brown flecked bark, trees can become quite gnarled and twisted, especially when exposed, and the twigs often develop spines.
This ‘crabbed’ appearance may have influenced its common name, ‘crab apple’. points following a single enter.

 

Photo supplied by: Alan Payne

Common Name:
Crab Apple

Scentific Name:
Malus sylvestris

Tree No.:
55a

Location:

The brown and pointed leaf buds form on short stalks and have downy hair on their tips. These are followed by glossy, oval leaves which grow to a length of 6cm and have rounded teeth.

Credit: This could be your image

 

 

In spring, the sweetly scented blossom is pollinated by bees and other insects. The blossom develops into small, yellow-green apple-like fruits around 2–3cm across.

Credit: This could be your image

 

Sometimes the fruits are flushed with red or white spots when ripe. Birds and mammals eat the apples and disperse the seeds.

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The crab apple is native to the UK, and is found primarily in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere, it thrives best in heavy, moist, well-drained soil and areas of scrub.

The leaves are food for the caterpillars of many moths. The flowers provide an important source of pollen and nectar for insects, particularly bees.  The fruit is eaten by birds, such as blackbirds, thrushes and crows, and small mammals, such as rodents, foxes and badgers.

The trees are often planted in orchards as their long flowering period makes them excellent pollination partners for cultivated apples. The fruit can be used to make crab apple jelly and as a natural source of pectin for setting jams.
The wood was made into tool handles, woodenware, and fuel. The wood is ideal for woodcarvers. The bark was made into a yellow dye.

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Braintree & Bocking Public Gardens,
43 Bocking End,
Braintree,
CM7 9AE.

Open 9:00 to 4:00pm – January, February.
Open 9:00 to 6:00pm – March.
Open 9:00 to 7:00pm – April.
Open 9:00 to 8:00pm – May, June, July, August.
Open 9:00 to 7:00pm – September.
Open 9:00 to 6:00pm – October.
Open 9:00 to 4:00pm – November December.

Note – The gates are locked at dusk.
Dusk is subject to seasonal variation, so closing times may not be exactly to the schedule, at the transitions.

No dogs allowed in the gardens.
No alcohol to be consumed in the gardens.
No riding of cycles or scooters in the gardens.

General Enquiries
Phone: 01376 773066
Email: info@braintreeandbockinggardens.co.uk

Tennis Enquiries
Phone: 01376 773070
Email: tennis@braintreeandbockinggardens.co.uk

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Registered Charity Number 212989

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Braintree and Bocking Public Gardens

Braintree and Bocking Public Gardens

We provide, maintain and preserve these unique and beautiful gardens as a community green space.

1 week ago

🍦🎪Have you got your tickets for the Fun-tastic Little Legs Festival 2025! 🍦🎪facebook.com/events/s/little-legs-festival-2025/1335335380803100/Braintree & Bocking Public Gardens, Wednesday 18th - Thursday and Friday 20th June. 9.30am - 3pm.🌟Little Legs is so popular with young families, offering a fantastic selection of activities for babies, infants and young children, including inflatables, rides, performers, a petting zoo, Thomas the land train, rides, reptiles, a forest school, story tellers, stilt walkers, Bluey mascot as well as the usual mascots.🌟 We have Timmy Tickle - Children's Entertainer, our giant sandpit, Disco Tots and Evo Inflatables.Local petting zoo Gemmas Farm will be returning with their menagerie, as well as a selection of kids performers, and interactive activities from a selection of local children’s groups. There will also be a selection of craft stalls, food and drink vendors on site, not forgetting Coffee House in the Gardens.🙌 Grab your tickets today, it’s going to be so much fun.😍 Tickets for adults and children over 1 are available at www.littlelegsfestival.com at £6 (under 1’s are FREE). ... See MoreSee Less
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Wishing sincere condolences to the family and friends of local man Terry Cooke. May the memories of his daily cycling routine from Felsted to Braintree, finding solace and joyful moments in the bandstand at Braintree & Bocking Public Gardens bring comfort and smiles. Terry's spirit and character will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him." ... See MoreSee Less
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