Callaway Crabapple

The Callaway Crabapple is a sturdy, southern-bred tree that turns your land into a quiet hotspot for whitetails and birds alike. Spring kicks off with a flush of pink buds that open into soft white blossoms, their subtle scent hanging in the air as a welcome to warmer days. By late summer into fall, those flowers give way to clusters of cherry-sized red crabapples—crisp, mildly tart, and a favorite for deer just as local food sources become scarce.

Reaching 15-25’ with a rounded, spreading crown, this tree settles into full sun and handles a range of soils with ease. Its bark takes on a weathered look over time, and the leaves shift to warm yellows and oranges in autumn, framing those persistent fruits that stick around into winter. Self-fertile, it’ll produce on its own, though a nearby pollinator like another crabapple or apple tree can improve yield. Plant it solo or weave it into a mix with something like the Dolgo for a steady draw across the seasons.

In USDA zones 4-8, the Callaway holds its own, especially in warmer climates where it shrugs off heat and common apple diseases better than most. It’s a reliable pick for anyone aiming to enrich their deer habitat—proof’s in the tracks around it come fall.