Malus prunifolia aka Chinese Apple

Malus prunifolia is a tree in the rose family, Rosaceae. The RHS lists Chinese apple as its common name. Kew places its native range in northern China, extending to Qinghai. It grows in a temperate climate. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. The RHS accepts the species name as correct.

This plant can form a large shrub or small tree. Virginia Tech gives a height of up to 30 feet [9.1 metres]. Its crown has an uneven shape rather than a neat outline. The trunk twists, and branches start low on the plant. Short spur shoots stand out along the branches. These shoots can look like thorns. Together, the low branches and twisted trunk give it a distinct form. Young bark is smooth, with red-brown to gray tones. As it ages, the bark forms thin scales and flat ridges.

The leaves grow one at a time along the stems. Each leaf has a single blade, rather than separate leaflets. Their shapes range from elliptical to narrow and egg-shaped. Fine teeth line the edges, and veins form a pinnate pattern. The upper leaf surface is green. The underside is paler and bears a light coat of hairs. Leaves measure about 1.5–3.5 inches long. New twigs are green and hairy. Older twigs turn red-brown to gray and lose most hairs. The buds are reddish brown.

Fragrant flowers open in early spring in small clusters. Each flower has five petals and both male and female parts. Flower color ranges from pink to white. Individual blooms can reach one inch across. The showy flowers provide the clearest spring display described here. In early fall, the tree bears yellow to red fruit. Each fruit is a pome, the fruit type of apples. The fruit can reach one inch across. Its flesh is edible, but mealy and astringent.

The flowers, fruit, and unusual form offer interest across seasons. The supplied species evidence does not establish a garden height range. It also gives no supported spread or specific growing needs. Hardiness, pest risks, and disease problems remain unreported here. The edible fruit record does not establish seed or leaf safety.