Peraphyllum ramosissimum

Peraphyllum ramosissimum is a deciduous shrub in the rose family. Its common names include wild crab apple and squaw apple. It comes from the western and west-central United States. Its range includes California, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. It also grows in northwestern New Mexico. Kew places it in the temperate biome. Dry hillsides form part of its native habitat. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This shrub reaches about 6 feet (1.8 metres) in height. It loses its leaves for winter. The flowers appear from April to May. Each flower has both male and female parts. Insects pollinate the blooms. PFAF places the plant close to the serviceberries, or Amelanchier. Its fruit offers a food use as well as garden interest. Yet growers in Britain may see little fruit. PFAF reports that plants there seldom bear a crop.

Choose a sheltered site with as much sun as possible. This shrub does not grow in shade. It suits a sunny edge in a woodland garden. PFAF lists sandy, loamy, and clay soils as suitable. Good drainage matters across these soil types. Its growing notes favour a good loam without lime. Mildly acid to neutral soil suits it. The plant accepts dry or moist ground and withstands drought. It also does well with hot, dry summers. PFAF lists USDA hardiness zones 4–8.

The fruit can be eaten fresh or cooked. Its taste changes as it ripens on the shrub. Unripe fruit tastes sour, while ripening fruit has some bitterness. Fully ripe fruit gains sweetness but leaves a bitter aftertaste. Fruit that dries on the plant has the sweetest flavour. Ripe fruit can go into jelly or spiced preserves. PFAF gives its edible value two points out of five. The source lists no known hazards. This does not establish safety for every person or pet.

PFAF records no known medicinal or other practical uses. Its propagation notes include spring layering, which takes about twelve months. The source also suggests raising plants from seed. It flags its seed guidance as tentative, not species-tested advice. Stored seed may need a cold period before it sprouts. Young seedlings can spend their first winter under cover. Planting out follows in late spring.