Malus coronarius

This is the native wild crabapple. There are several non-native, but naturalized, crabapples to be seen in our region. The native can be found in old fields, along forest edges, and in thickets. Where forests have grown up around old orchards and homes, they can hang on for a while. The leaves, the flowers, and the fruit are all variable within the species, making ID difficult. The crabapples are on the large side compared to horticultural forms, 3/4 - 1 inch diameter and turn yellow when ripe. Thorny side branches are another ID aid.