Flowering crabapple tree

#The present invention or discovery relates to a new and distinct variety of Malus sp., commonly known as flowering crabapple tree, having an unusual growth habit, which originated as a seedling selected from a large planting of flowering crabapple seedlings made by me.

#This new variety of flowering crabapple tree is a shrub or small tree having numerous lower branches emerging from the trunk and growing almost vertical. All newly formed branches also show the vertical growth habit, giving an overall, shrubby, hedge-like appearance. This hedge-like habit forms rapidly due to the very vigorous young growth of such plant. With the removal of lower branches, a small tree with a compact, fastigiate head can be readily produced. The plant has an attractive purplish red foliage, which appears resistant to scab and mildew. The flowers of this new variety are of relatively short duration and scattered, and the fruits are also produced sparingly and are small and quite well hidden by the foliage.

#The novel and distinctive features of this new variety are accordingly considered to be, in combination:

#Referring now more particularly to the drawing:

#FIG. 1 shows my new flowering crabapple tree in full summer foliage;

#FIG. 2 shows such plant in winter after dropping of the foliage showing its compact, upright form;

#The following is a specific description of such new variety, the color terminology and reference to the buds, flowers, and foliage being based on the Nickerson Color Fan approved by the American Horticultural Society.

#The original plant, at about 10 years old, has a basal trunk diameter of 41/2 inches, and both such original plant and subsequent progeny show numerous lower branches emerging from the trunk and growing almost vertical. All newly formed branches also show the vertical growth habit, giving an overall, shrubby, hedge-like appearance. The hedge-like habit forms rapidly due to the vigorous young growth.

#The numerous, compact, sturdy, upright branches and branchlets are glabrous at the base but hairy near the tips of current growth. The texture of the branchlets is typical of Malus, medium to somewhat stout. Current twig growth is purplish in color with prevalent lenticels.