'FIREBIRD' CRABAPPLE

YOUNG 'FIREBIRD' CRABAPPLE...

...PROLIFIC FRUIT

Tuesday, 7:45AM. 48 degrees F at the ferry dock, 44 on the back porch. Wind variable, calm.  The sky is mostly cloudy but clearing.  The humidity is still 93%, the barometer steady at present, at 30.04".  It looks like it will be a nice day eventually.

   In the spring of 2014 the City of Bayfield planted ten 'Firebird' hybrid crabapples as city street trees.  They were selected primarily for their very narrowly upright character, which is ideal for many street applications.  (most crabapple varieties are too wide and low for street use).  We lost one during the winter of 2014-15, and found we could not replace it because the nursery had lost its entire planting.  Most of ours look good after two growing seasons and we are pleased with their shape and foliage, although many have suckers at the base that will need to be pruned.

   'Firebird's most outstanding characteristic is the unusually prolific and very beautiful fruit.  We have never seen anything like it.  We need to watch its hardiness and other attributes for some years before we can give it a blanket endorsement, but it is very impressive in flower and fruit at this juncture.