Overview
A small to medium-sized deciduous tree or large multi-stemmed shrub in the family Rosaceae, native to moist forests, stream banks, wetland margins, and forest edges from Alaska south through British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon to California — the only native apple of the Pacific Northwest and one of the most ecologically important native fruit-bearing woody plants in the region. The specific epithet fusca means 'dusky' or 'dark brown,' referring to the dark, often reddish-brown bark and twigs. Plants grow 10–35 feet (3–10 m) tall with a broad, somewhat irregular crown; branches frequently bear short, stout, sharp thorns. The leaves are variable in shape — ovate to lanceolate, 1.5–4 inches (4–10 cm) long, with serrated and often shallowly lobed or three-lobed margins (especially on vigorous shoots) — the variable leaf shape is characteristic of the species. From April through May, the tree produces clusters of 5–12 small, fragrant, white to pinkish-white, five-petaled flowers 0.6–1 inch (15–25 mm) across typical of the apple family. The small fruits 0.3–0.6 inch (8–15 mm) in diameter ripen yellow to red-orange to dark red or purplish-red by August–October, often with a waxy bloom — much smaller than domestic apples and extremely tart. The fruits are consumed by black bears, deer, grouse, cedar waxwings, and many other bird and mammal species and were an important food source for Indigenous peoples of the PNW coast.
Native Range
Native to moist forests, stream banks, wetland margins, and forest edges from Alaska south through British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon to California.Suggested Uses
Planted as a native wildlife habitat tree, riparian buffer, or small specimen tree at 10–15 foot (3–4.5 m) spacing. The only native apple of the Pacific Northwest and among the most important native fruit trees for wildlife — fruits consumed by dozens of bird and mammal species. The spring flower clusters are fragrant and ornamental. Appropriate for rain gardens, wetland buffers, and large native habitat plantings. Fruits are edible by humans when cooked; raw fruits are very tart.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 35'
Width/Spread10' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years
Bloom Information
Blooms April through May for 2–3 weeks, producing clusters of 5–12 fragrant, white to pinkish-white, five-petaled flowers 0.6–1 inch (15–25 mm) across — a classic apple-family flower cluster. An important early-season nectar source for bumblebees, mason bees, butterflies, and other native pollinators. Fruits ripen yellow to red to purplish-red August–October and are consumed by black bears, deer, grouse, cedar waxwings, thrushes, and numerous other wildlife species.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to pinkish-white; fragrant; five-petaled clusters of 5–12 flowers 0.6–1 inch — classic Rosaceae apple-family cluster; April–May; followed by small fruits 0.3–0.6 inch yellow to red to purplish-red; only native PNW appleFoliage Description
medium to dark green; variable shape — ovate to lanceolate, serrated and often shallowly lobed or 3-lobed (especially vigorous shoots); characteristic variable leaf shape; branches with short stout thorns; fusca = 'dusky/dark brown'Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist to average, acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 5.0–7.5. Tolerates seasonally wet soils and performs well along stream banks and wetland margins — one of the most moisture-tolerant native PNW fruit trees. No fertilizer needed. Susceptible to the same fungal and bacterial diseases as domestic apples (fire blight, apple scab, powdery mildew) in humid climates, but generally more resistant than grafted domestic varieties. Minimal maintenance once established.Pruning
Prune to remove dead, crossing, or diseased branches in late winter while dormant. Remove suckers at the base. Thinning the canopy every few years improves air circulation and fruit production. Avoid heavy pruning — the irregular crown form is natural and characteristic. Use clean, sharp tools to minimize disease transmission.Pruning Schedule
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F
M
A
M
J
J
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early spring