Snow Crystal Crabapple
Full bloomMalus 'JFS KW218MX'
Rosaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · introduced
Last updated
Snow Crystal® is a newer J. Frank Schmidt introduction filling the compact pyramidal niche — 15 × 12 ft mature size with a distinctly pyramidal rather than rounded form distinguishes it from typical crabapple silhouettes. For PNW landscapes wanting compact upright- pyramidal form with white flowers and tiny persistent golden fruit, Snow Crystal is the modern choice. Excellent disease resistance across all four major diseases per JFS supports reliable performance in maritime PNW conditions. Cross-reference: 'Red Jewel™' (15 × 12 ft upright pyramidal with white flowers and red fruit — the alternate for red rather than gold fruit color); ‘Adirondack’ (narrower 10 ft spread, white flowers, red fruit, similar disease resistance). Sourcing note: as a recent JFS introduction, Snow Crystal is most readily available through wholesale and design-grade nurseries. Cross-reference with 'Red Jewel™' (similar size and form, red fruit alternative) and ‘Adirondack’ (narrower form alternative).
— Chris Welch, ISA Certified Arborist
Plant Profile
Size & Form
Site Requirements
Ornamental Interest
Bloom Infection Window
Active Conidial Spread
First Flight
Diseases: Regionally Documented (3)
Diseases: Other Associations (1)
Pests: Regionally Documented (3)
Phenological Calendar
As of June 3, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 2435.5 to 2672.8 GDD₃₂. Snow Crystal Crabapple has passed full bloom (1305 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Jun 3, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,673 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,665 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 2,610 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,570 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 2,535 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 2,533 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 2,436 | Full bloom | — | — |
View full calendar (2 stages)
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| Beginning of flowering BBCH 61 | 990 | Late April (Puget Sound) |
| ● Full bloom BBCH 65 NOW | 1305 | Late April to early May (Puget Sound) |
Source: HortGuide regional interpretation based on Morton Arboretum bloom timing About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Jun 3, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Jun 19, 2026, then climate normals.