Pacific Crab Apple (Malus fusca)

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A tree or multi-stemmed shrub that grows to 36 feet tall, armed with sharp thorn-like shoots and bearing showy white flowers from mid-April to early June; This is the only native apple tree in the province, but it may be mistaken for cultivated pear and apple trees that have overgrown or been abandoned.

Uses

The apples were an important fruit for all coastal people, who harvested them in the late summer and early fall and either ate them fresh or stored them(cooked or fresh) under water.. Traditionally, they were placed in cedar boxes, or large watertight baskets lined with skunk cabbage leaves and a layer of animal grease. Because of their acidity, the apples did not require further preservation but would become somewhat sweeter and softer over time

It is also commonly claimed that aboriginal Canadians did not own property; but, indeed these trees were widely managed, carefully guarded resource; that WERE OFTEN REGARDED AS PRIVATE PROPERTY.

Historically, boxes of Pacific crab apples were a common trade item and were also used as gifts at special events-even weddings. One report states that at the start of the 20^th century, one box of crab apples preserved in water might cost as much as ten pairs of Hudson’s Bay blankets, a significant value for the time of about $10.00 (do you know the price asked for a Hudson’s Bay Blanket now?). The fruit of Pacific crab apples is rich in pectin, so it can be added to low pectin fruits when making jams and jellies.

Pacific crab apple was also considered a fattening medicine and blood purifier. After a long day of hunting or work, the fruit was eaten to “kill poison in muscles”.

The deeply coloured wood is hard and somewhat flexible. Coastal people used it to make tool handles, bows, wedges, and digging sticks.

Bark:

Rough brown or greyish, older bark deeply fissured.

Leaves:

Alternate, deep-green, egg-shaped leaves grow up to 10 centimetres long. The edges are toothed along the irregular lobes.

Flowers:

White to pink, fragrant apple blossoms in a flat-topped cluster.

Fruit:

The yellow to purplish-red apples, about ¾ of an inch across,, are tart but edible. After a frost, they turn brown and soft.

Where to find Pacific Crab Apple

It is found on lakesides and stream banks along the coast, from sea level to mid elevations. Pacific crab apple grows on Vancouver Island but not on the Queen Charlotte Islands.

Habitat

Pacific Crab Apple grows in moist, open woodlands. It presents a delightful spring sight when in bloom along the edges of river mouths and stream banks.

© Al ( alex-Alexander) D Girvan. All Rights Reserved.