Flowering crab apple tree named ‘Morning Princess’

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of Siberian Crab Apple tree (i.e., Malus baccata ) is provided. The new variety can be readily distinguished from the ‘Royal Beauty’ variety (non-patented in the United States). A vigorous growth habit is exhibited with strong apical dominance combined with descending side branches that are disposed at approximately 90° to the trunk at the point of attachment. The leaves are purple with green shading. Attractive red-pink flowers are formed. Very small globose fruit is formed that is purple when fully mature. The new variety is particularly well suited for growing as a distinctive ornamental plant in the landscape.

I claim:  
     
       1. A new and distinct variety of  Malus baccata  tree which exhibits the following combination of characteristics: 
       (a) Exhibits a vigorous growth habit with strong apical dominance combined with descending side branches that are disposed at approximately 90° to the trunk at the point of attachment,  
       (b) Forms purple leaves with green shading,  
       (c) Forms attractive pink-red flowers,  
       (d) Forms very small globose fruit that is purple when fully mature, and  
       (e) Is particularly well-suited for providing ornamentation in the landscape; substantially as herein shown and described.