Plants→Apples→Pacific Crabapple (Malus fusca)

Native in the Pacific NW, from Alaska to California, mostly west of the Cascade Mountains. Found in moist woods, swamps, and open canyons in low to mid elevations. Caterpillars feed on the leaves, while birds and small mammals eat the fruit. The apples may be eaten fresh, although they are quite tart. Due to their high acidity, they keep well and become softer and sweeter as they age. Crabapples are often planted in commercial apple orchards to facilitate pollination. The wood is chipped for smoking, or added to fires for a sweet scent. The bark may be used medicinally, although caution should be taken as it contains cyanid-producing compounds.

It is said that if one tosses a pip into the fire while saying the name of your beloved, if the pip explodes, your love will be true.

[ Reply to this comment | ]