Quick answer: Prairie crabapple (Malus ioensis) is native to 8 states. What's commonly sold under this name is often a bred variety or the wrong species — see the lookalike alert below. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Where it's native
Listed in the register as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Moderate water, Moist |
| Soil | Well-drained loams, tolerates limestone/alkaline |
| Bloom | Bloom May-Jun |
| Height | Up to 35 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Thickets provide nesting/shelter, fruit attracts bobwhites/pheasants/squirrels/rabbits, special value to native/bumble/honey bees |
none noted formally; trees tend to form clonal thickets
Lookalike alert
(MySeeds.Co); In Stock (2 left), $18.95. ⚠ listing description text templated from an unrelated 'Prairiefire' cultivar — title/brand/species labeling correct.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
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