Kerr Apple Crab vs American Bladdernut - TreeTime.ca

Kerr Apple Crab vs American Bladdernut

Malus x Kerr

Staphylea trifolia

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Kerr Apple Crab
American Bladdernut

Kerr Apple Crab is a cross between Dolgo and Haralson that originated in Manitoba. This hardy variety is so tasty that it is often compared to Golden Delicious. Kerr Apples keep well and are good for fresh eating, cooking, and juicing. As an ornamental, this tree blooms in mid-May with clusters of white flowers born from pink buds.

For fruit production, cross-pollination is required. Apples need to be planted with another Apple or Crab Apple variety.

Note: We do not ship grafted apples to BC due to regulatory restrictions from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

American Bladdernut is a fast-growing, ornamental shrub native to eastern North America. It can be grown as a large shrub or trained as a small tree. The small, drooping, white flowers are bell-shaped and grow in clusters. They appear in mid to late spring, attracting various pollinators. Well suited as an understory plant as it prefers shady and partial sun location with moist soils.

The blossoms mature into papery seed capsules and have been described as miniature Japanese lanterns. They are commonly used in dried flower arrangements. The seeds found within the pods are edible, and have a taste similar to pistachios. They can be eaten raw, used in baking or made into a sweet cooking oil.

Care should be taken when planting American Bladdernut, as it can spread quickly. It is prone to suckering and will self-seed. Plant the right tree in the right place.

Kerr Apple Crab Quick Facts

American Bladdernut Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 3a
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Height: 4 m (12 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: shade, partial shade
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium
Maintenance: medium


Flowers: clusters of white flowers bloom from pink buds
Flowers: white
Fruit: medium sized apples with red skin and yellow flesh, firm, crisp, juicy sweet but a pleasant acid to taste
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC