Malus ioensis
1913 lithograph by J.N.Fitch[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Malus
Species:
M. ioensis
Binomial name
Malus ioensis
Natural range
Synonyms[2]
  • Pyrus coronaria var. ioensis Alph. Wood 1861
  • Malus coronaria subsp. ioensis (Alph. Wood) Likhonos
  • Malus coronaria var. ioensis (Alph. Wood) C.K. Schneid.
  • Pyrus ioensis (Alph. Wood) L.H. Bailey

Malus ioensis, known as the Iowa crab or prairie crabapple, is a species of crabapple tree native to the United States. The most common variety, M. ioensis var. ioensis, is found primarily in the prairie regions of the upper Mississippi Valley. Another variety, M. ioensis var. texana, or the Texas crabapple, is found only in a small region of central Texas.[3]

The Iowa crab can grow up to 10 meters (35 feet) in height. It bears white or pink flowers in the summer and small apple-like berries in the fall.[4]

Various wildlife consume the fruit.[5]

References

  1. ^ published in Curtis's Botanical Magazine, London., vol. 139 [= ser. 4, vol. 9]: plate 8488 - [1]
  2. ^ Tropicos, Malus ioensis (Alph. Wood) Britton
  3. ^ Malus ioensis at the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
  4. ^ Malus ioensis at the University of Texas at Austin Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
  5. ^ Little, Elbert L. (1980). The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees: Eastern Region. New York: Knopf. p. 491. ISBN 0-394-50760-6.


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