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Cedar Waxwings flocked to the Golden Raindrops® Crabapples (Malus transitoria ‘Schmidtcutleaf’) in our office landscape last week. They found the tiny golden-yellow fruits to be irresistible, returning time after time to alight on the two trees that flank our front entrance. Shy and watchful, the birds stayed out of the way of the larger red-breasted robins that were also jockeying for a place at the autumn harvest table. For an hour or so, the waxwings hopped from branch to branch, gobbling the tasty golden morsels with gusto before flying off to sample the next course in their fall feast. |
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Fortunately, the busy flock left enough fruits behind for staff and visitors to enjoy. They dangle among deeply cut, finely textured leaves that are presently a bright yellow-orange with hints of purple and bright red. If the birds don’t return, the fruits will persist for another month. Leaf shape is more akin to the leaves of Amur Maple (Acer ginnala) than those of typical ornamental crabapples. Foliage and fall color aren’t the only characteristics that set this tree apart from others of the species. Star-like flowers are white with bright yellow centers. Arching, upright branches cause it to grow in an upright, vase shape. Excellent resistance to scab, cedar-apple rust and mildew make it a fine choice for areas where fireblight is not a significant problem. Hardiness is USDA Zone 4. |
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