May 3 Peak Crabapples

The last few days have been incredible for seeing the varieties of crabapple trees all over the cities that are now in full flower. According to the UW Extension, there are over 650 commonly planted horticultural varieties. According to my Sibley Guide to Trees, there are only four native apple species in all of North America, including the prairie crab apple (Malus ioensis) and common apple (Malus pumila), the only two that grew in Wisconsin prior to European conquest. The crab in the picture is growing along the Lakeshore Path on the east end of newly restored water catchment pond. I have no clue what variety it is, but I have been loving the pink flowered crabapples this week. For a bonus, this fully golden male goldfinch was preening itself as I squared up for the photo. You may also notice the small green leaves that are emerging right behind the flowers. With wind and rain in the forecast, expect many of these petals to fall fast over the next few weeks.