Fauna
Plant

Pacific Crab Apple

Malus fusca

Also known as Oregon Crabapple, Western Crabapple

Pacific crab apple thrives in the cool, rain-drenched coastal forests and wetlands of the Pacific Northwest, often forming dense, tangled thickets along estuarine fringes and riparian banks. In spring, branches produce clusters of fragrant white to pinkish blossoms that attract native bumblebees and solitary bees. The small, oblong fruits persist well into winter, serving as a critical cold-weather food reserve for migratory songbirds, waterfowl, and small mammals.

FloweringRiparianDeciduous
Pacific Crab Apple reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (photosynthetic)
Predators
  • Tent Caterpillar
  • Black-tailed Deer
  • Apple Maggot Fly
ThreatsWetland drainage, coastal development, and invasive plant competition
HabitatsCoastal wetlands, moist forests, riverbanks, and estuarine swamps
Life span50–100 years
Classification
  1. OrderRosales
  2. FamilyRosaceae
  3. GenusMalus
  4. SpeciesMalus fusca
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Wild fruits have toxic look-alikes, and seeds contain cyanogenic compounds toxic to pets; do not ingest.
Why it is dangerous
Seeds, stems, and wilted leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides that metabolize into hydrogen cyanide, causing respiratory distress in domestic pets.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for small deciduous trees in coastal wetlands with toothed, often irregularly lobed leaves and tiny oblong pomes under two centimeters long.
What to do
Do not let dogs chew on fallen branches or gorge on fallen fruit; admire the tree without harvesting parts for consumption.
Responsible observation
  • Leaf Inspection: Look for distinctive irregularly lobed leaves on vigorous young shoots.
  • Spring Bloom: Visit coastal wetlands in May to observe profuse, fragrant floral displays.
  • Winter Watching: Check fruiting thickets during late autumn for foraging thrushes and waxwings.
Related species
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