Oregon Crab, Oregon crab apple

Malus fusca

Physical Characteristics

Malus fusca is a deciduous Tree growing to 12 m (39ft 4in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Western N. America - Alaska to California.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Pectin Pectin Fruit - raw or cooked[11, 101]. Up to 2cm in diameter[229]. An agreeable sub-acid taste, it can be eaten out of hand or made into jellies, preserves etc[183]. The fruit can be left on the tree until there have been some autumn frosts, this will soften the fruit and make it somewhat less acid[K]. The fruit is rich in pectin so it can be added to pectin-low fruits when making jams or jellies[183, 257]. Pectin is also said to protect the body against radiation[201].

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic Astringent Diuretic Dysentery Eczema Laxative Ophthalmic Pectoral Skin Stomachic TB Tonic Oregon crab was employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints[257]. In particular, it gained a reputation with some tribes as a heal-all, especially useful for treating any of the internal organs[257]. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism. The trunk, bark and inner bark are antirheumatic, astringent, blood purifier, cardiac, diuretic, laxative and tonic[257]. A decoction has been used in the treatment of coughs, stomach ulcers, dysentery, diarrhoea, rheumatism and consumption[257]. The shredded bark has been used to treat blood spitting[257]. A poultice of the chewed bark has been applied to wounds[257]. An infusion of the bark is used as an eyewash[257]. a decoction of the bark is used as a wash on cuts, eczema and other skin problems[257]. An infusion of the bark, combined with wild cherry bark (Prunus sp.) has been used as a cure-all tonic[257]. The juice scraped from the peeled trunk has been used as an eye medicine[257]. The soaked leaves have been chewed in the treatment of lung problems[257].

Known Hazards

All members of this genus contain the toxin hydrogen cyanide in their seeds and possibly also in their leaves, but not in their fruits. Hydrogen cyanide is the substance that gives almonds their characteristic taste but it should only be consumed in very small quantities. Apple seeds do not normally contain very high quantities of hydrogen cyanide but, even so, should not be consumed in very large quantities. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.