Question: Hi, I saw this small tree growing next to a seasonal stream in Medford, MA on October 20. Is it …
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Question
Hi, I saw this small tree growing next to a seasonal stream in Medford, MA on October 20. Is it a crab apple? A buckthorn? You'll note that there are multiple trunks. The tree was maybe 25 feet high.
Answer
Dear BrooklineBiker, you've photographed a species of Malus (apple). This is one of the species of crab apple introduced for ornament. I would need to see the specimen to attempt to provide you with a identification, but hopefully knowing the genus is helpful to you. Note the inferior ovary (persistent sepals are at the top of the fruit), if this was a buckthorn, it would not have this arrangement. Best wishes.
