Malus 'Ralph Shay'

ëRalph Shay is a rounded, horizontally-branched, medium-sized, white-flowered crabapple tree that typically matures to 15-20 tall with a slightly wider spread. Single white flowers bloom in spring (April in St. Louis). Flowers are followed by bright red crabapples (to 1 1/4î diameter) that mature in fall and persist well into winter. Birds are attracted to the fruit. Fruits (large for crabapples) are a good selection for making jellies or preserves. Ovate dark green leaves (to 3î long) produce little fall color. Parents are M. 'Wolf River' x M. x zumi var. calocarpa. Cultivar name honors Pu... more »

ëRalph Shay is a rounded, horizontally-branched, medium-sized, white-flowered crabapple tree that typically matures to 15-20 tall with a slightly wider spread. Single white flowers bloom in spring (April in St. Louis). Flowers are followed by bright red crabapples (to 1 1/4î diameter) that mature in fall and persist well into winter. Birds are attracted to the fruit. Fruits (large for crabapples) are a good selection for making jellies or preserves. Ovate dark green leaves (to 3î long) produce little fall color. Parents are M. 'Wolf River' x M. x zumi var. calocarpa. Cultivar name honors Purdue University plant physiologist Ralph Shay (1918-1980). Simpson Orchard Company Nursery 1976. (less)