Description

Courthouse Crab

Overview

The Courthouse Crab is an exceptionally productive wildlife crabapple selected for its dependable annual crops, outstanding disease resistance, and ideal fruit drop timing. This grafted crab produces abundant 2-inch red crabapples with attractive gold striping year after year. In central Pennsylvania, the fruit ripens during October and continues dropping throughout November, making it an outstanding food source during the heart of the hunting season.

As you move farther north into colder climates, expect the fruit to ripen and drop later. This allows the Courthouse Crabapple to remain an excellent choice across much of the Midwest and Northeast. Suitable for Plant hardiness zones 3-7.

Why Hunters Like the Courthouse Crab

The Courthouse Crabapple consistently produces heavy crops that deer seek out every fall. While the fruit is not considered exceptional for fresh eating, deer show a strong preference for it. When fruit begins falling, this tree quickly becomes an active feeding location.

Another advantage is how well the fruit holds up during cold weather. Instead of breaking down quickly after repeated freezing and thawing, the apples maintain their integrity. As a result, they remain an attractive food source well into the late season.

Outstanding Disease Resistance

The original tree has remained exceptionally clean in central Pennsylvania despite exposure to the common diseases that affect many apple and crabapple trees. Healthy foliage and dependable annual production make the Courthouse Crabapple a reliable choice for wildlife orchards and habitat projects.

Origin of the Courthouse Crab

The Courthouse Crabapple traces its roots to an original seedling discovered by whitetail enthusiast Art Reuck in central Minnesota. The seedling grew near the local courthouse, giving this unique crabapple its name.

Growing in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3b-4a, the original tree has demonstrated exceptional cold hardiness while continuing to produce heavy annual crops. Its proven performance in northern climates has made it an outstanding choice for wildlife plantings throughout much of the country.

Tree Characteristics

• Produces abundant 2-inch red fruit with attractive gold striping
• Heavy and dependable annual fruit production at a young age
• Fruit ripens in October and drops through November in central Pennsylvania
• Fruit drop occurs later in colder northern climates
• Fruit holds its quality well through freezing and thawing
• Excellent resistance to major apple diseases
• Mature height of approximately 25 feet
• Suitable for USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3-7

Wildlife Value

The Courthouse Crab was selected for one reason—it consistently attracts wildlife. Its dependable crops, excellent disease resistance, and timely fruit drop make it an outstanding addition to food plots, staging areas, travel corridors, and wildlife orchards. Whether you’re improving a small hunting property or establishing a large wildlife planting, this crabapple provides a dependable food source that deer return to year after year.

Learn More

Continue your research with these helpful resources:

• Crabapple Trees for Deer
• Tree Planting Guide
• Apple Pollination Guide
• Rootstock Information
• Shipping and Pickup Info