Hall Crabapple - Malus halliana var. Spontanea [2]
Rose Family: Rosaceae
Hall crabapple is believed native to China, where it is known as "chui si hai tang." [1]
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  Hall Crabapple in bloom
Abundant white flowers make this compact crabapple a real show-stopper
"Hall crabapple grows to 5 m (15 feet). According to Bean (Trees Shrubs Hardy Brit. Isles, ed. 8, 2: 699. 1981), this is a Japanese species and does not occur in China. Further study is required on Chinese specimens attributed to Malus halliana.

Malus halliana is similar to M. baccata, which differs by its serrulate leaves, white petals, and apically acuminate sepals larger than the hypanthium. Grows in thickets on slopes or by streams; sea level to 1200 m. Anhui, Guizhou, Hubei, Jiangsu, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Yunnan, Zhejiang." [4]

Crabapples thrive in full sun and grow best in well drained, slightly acidic soils (pH 5.5-6.5); however, they will grow well in many soil types. Most crabapple selections tolerate the cold winters and hot, dry summers prevalent in the Midwest. No single cultivar can fulfill every landscaping need.  [3]

Hall Crabapple late summer

Hall Crabapple requires very little pruning but any that is needed should be completed before late spring, to ensure dormant flower buds are not removed. Trees used as street trees should be trained to develop a central trunk and should be occasionally thinned to eliminate water sprouts or crossed-branches, and to open up the crown. This allows for better air circulation through the crown and helps reduce disease.  [3]

Hall Crabapple Fall Foliage and Fruit
Hall Crabapple has outstanding orange and red fall foliage and fruit

Hall Crabapple in fall colors

References
  1. USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network, "Malus halliana"
  2. Hall Crabapple - Malus halliana var. Spontanea, Morton Arboretum acc. 211-90*2, photographed by Bruce Marlin
  3. Morton Arboretum Crabapples For The Home Landscape
  4. eFloras.org, Chinese Plant Names, "Malus halliana Koehne"
 
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