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.

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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.

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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

© Braintree & Bocking Public Gardens Trust 2017-2021. All Rights Reserved.

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.

Despite the weather last weekend, our community‑run Christmas Market lit up the gardens. Organised by Rachel Woodcraft at Festoon Events along with a handful of volunteers, local businesses, and brave traders created an affordable festive event, where Santa met hundreds of excited children.We were delighted to welcome local families, though the rain kept some visitors at home, the atmosphere remained warm and festive.Father Christmas met hundreds of excited children in the cosy Grotto, hearing their wishes and sharing memories that lit up room.Thanks to generous donations from local businesses - Gates Peugeot, Prince recycling ltd - SKIPS, C J Yates Construction Ltd, Braintree Garden Centre and B&Q Braintree for festive photo props and displays, the gardens were transformed into a wonderful festive scene. Those who braved the cold, wet conditions were greeted by mischievous Elves from Frederick Douglas Performing Arts Academy, a festive light trail, photo displays, including a 20ft Snowman and Father Christmas, Evo Inflatables - Kids Zone and more. The wonderful @Braintreevoices, Bocking Concert Brass - BCB, ADC Dance and Fitness, Jane Stringer and friends, Tesco for the gingerbread decorating who all entertained us throughout the three days.The fantastic Market stall holders, team in Coffee House in the Gardens and volunteers Friends of Bradford Street Braintree showed resilience offering handmade gifts, tasty treats, and mulled wine that added to the festive ambience.Thank you to everyone who came and helped make the Christmas magic happen. Lastly, a very special thanks to our Chairman - Alan Payne, Trustee - Stephen Becket, who worked tirelessly to instal the lighting and festive displays, Conrad Yates who helped install the fabulous Grotto, the sleigh, and all the reindeers and of course huge THANK YOU to our amazing volunteer Father Christmases, Anthony Reay, Les Priest and Conrad Yates for bringing the Christmas joy to so many children over the three days.We’re so grateful to everyone who contributed -Crown hire BSW Marquees Ltd volunteers, sponsors, traders, and all the wonderful families who supported the community event. We look forward to a brighter (and drier) event next year with an even larger turnout. ... See MoreSee Less
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It’s our final day of Braintree & Bocking Public Gardens Christmas Market and Santas Grotto 2025, and the sun has come out to play! Huge shout out to all of our amazing stall holders who have braved the weather over the last two days to bring their fabulous items for us all to get those early Christmas gifts, delicious food, and drinks from the bar!!Come down today to show your support them all, gates open free m 4pm - 9pm and entry is free to the market. The Groto is open from 4pm - 8pm. Follow the festive light trail to Santa’s Grotto, passing Santa’s Sleigh and his reindeer’s, take some photos with our 20ft snowman and Father Christmas, and we have the wonderful Bocking Concert Brass - BCB here today.We look forward to seeing you all very soon.Thank you to Gates Peugeot Prince recycling ltd - SKIPSC J Yates Construction Ltd Braintree Garden Centre Crown hire Evo Inflatables BSW Marquees Ltd Friends of Bradford Street Braintree and all our volunteers for helping to support this community event. ... See MoreSee Less
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