Crab Apple Seed

2026 Selections 

Sweet Crab Apple collected in PA

We are fairly confident that these seed are from sweet crab apple, the native crab apple species to North America. Its species name is Malus coronaria. I can't be 100% positive that other apple pollen didn't float into the area but I am fairly certain these seeds are pure. Either way they came from healthy parent crab apple trees. Crab apples can run a wide range of color and flavor. Some are great for eating, others baking or cider, and livestock/deer enjoy any of them.

Seed comes in packs of 25 EA

Previous selections (not available in 2026)

John Hershey Crab apple 

This tree was possibly a variety called Callaway. It was cut down in 2025, I am not sure why or by who. As sad as it is being that it was a grafted variety there are likely clones of it elsewhere. Some folks believe it is either Hopa or Manchurian while others believe it to be Callaway. 

John Hershey is famous in the tree crop world for his nursery work and experimental plantings back in the early and mid-1900s. His nursery was known as Americans number one tree crops nursery. John worked to collect seed and scion wood from trees with superior qualities all across the country. He grew out seedlings and grafted trees on his farm in Downingtown PA. Sadly after his death the farm was not protected and much of it has been destroyed to make room for suburban sprawl. Some of the trees remain.

There is a cluster of trees planted by John near where his old farm used to be. These trees are found in the area surrounding Downingtown Friends Meetinghouse. One of these trees is an excellent non astringent crab apple. 

The fruit on this tree is sweet without a hint of tartness. In 2024 this tree was absolutely loaded with fruit. I have not observed this tree in previous years so I am not certain if this is a big crop or a typical crop. To me these seeds are important because nobody takes care of the mother tree. She is out in a tightly mowed urban lot, with no sprays, mulch, or care. And yet still produces a large crop of crabapples that also happen to not have astringency. For breeding, for wildlife/silvopasture, and for home use these are really important traits. 

Each pack contains 20 seeds. We recommend stratifying these seeds for best germination results.