Malus baccata gracilis

Description

“Pet poisonous” – Toxic parts: seeds Malus baccata is native to Russia, Mongolia, China, Korea, Bhutan, India and Nepal, where it is common to mixed forests on hilly slopes at elevations up to 1500 meters (5000 feet). The tree is found in Japan, and it has also been introduced to Europe and to North America, where it is found in the wild mostly in the Great Lakes Region and in the Northeastern United States. Trees grow up to 10–14 meters (33–47 feet) high. They have arching or overhanging red-brown branches and red-brown buds. Petioles are 2–5 cm (0.8-2.0 inches) long, with few glands. Leaves are elliptic or egg-shaped, (3–8)×(2–3.5) cm ((1.2-3.2) × (0.8-1.4) inches). Pedicels are slender and 1.5–4 cm (0.5-1.6 inches) long. They bear white fragrant flowers of 3–3.5 cm (1.2-1.4 inches) in diameter which groups by 4–6. Petals are white and egg-shaped, approximately 2–2.5 cm (0.8-1.0 inches) long. Fruits are red to yellow and spherical, only about 1 cm (0.4 inches) in diameter; they form dense clusters and resemble cherries from a distance. Flowering occurs in spring, with fruits appearing in September–October.