Standard English Name(s): Pacific crab apple
Local English Name(s) (if different from above): crab apple
Scientific Name(s): Malus fusca (Raf.) Schneid.
Upriver Halkomelem Name(s): qwu’ap (fruit), qwu’apulhp (tree)
Downriver Halkomelem Name(s): qwa’up (fruit), qwa’upulhp (tree)
Island Halkomelem Name(s): qwa’up (fruit), qwa’upulhp (tree)

Description, Habitat, Ecology, & Distribution:
     Crab apples are small, egg-shaped fruits that turn from yellowish to reddish when ripe. The plant that bears these fruits ranges from a shrub to a small tree (2-12 m [6.5-40 ft]) tall, and armed with sharp spur-shoots that resemble large thorns. The Pacific crab apple grows in moist woods, swamps, and other areas near water such as upper beaches and the edges of estuaries. It occurs from low to middle elevations throughout the coast.

Upriver Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
     The fruits were eaten, often after being stored until they turned brown.

Downriver Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
     The fruits, when ripe, were eaten.

Island Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
     The tart fruits of Pacific crab apple were eaten.