Prairifire Flowering Crabapple Tree

Prairifire is an ornamental crabapple introduced in 1982 by Daniel F. Dayton at the University of Illinois. It combines reddish-purple young foliage, red-pink spring flowers, and dark purple fruit; the Morton Arboretum lists high resistance to several common crabapple diseases, while other horticultural references describe variation in mature stature. ## Form and seasonal interest Use Prairifire as a flowering specimen or shade tree. A 20-foot height and spread are supported by Morton Arboretum’s mature-size listing; Trees and Shrubs Online describes the cultivar as a smaller tree under 4 metres, so mature size can vary with growing conditions and source. Spring bloom, foliage color, and persistent fruit provide interest across several seasons. ## Site Grow in full sun in moist, well-drained soil. Monrovia’s profile provides additional cultivar care information, and the University of Illinois origin is documented in the cultivar history. Sources: [Trees and Shrubs Online](https://www.treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/malus/malus-cultivars-n-q/), [Morton Arboretum](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/crabapple-cultivars/), [Monrovia](https://www.monrovia.com/prairifire-crabapple.html). ## Maintenance Prune to remove damaged or crossing branches and maintain a balanced crown. Rake fallen fruit as needed and monitor foliage for apple scab and other locally prevalent diseases. ## Pacific Northwest — PNW 590 (2023): Crabapple The [trees-23 profile](https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gallery/fire-resistant-plant-profiles-trees) prints Malus species. Malus Prairiefire: Explicit source-body example, retaining named selection, taxonomic rank and trade-code scope. This is not an independent test or a transfer of the main profile's dimensions to the selection. Source care: Low water use; Full sun to partial shade. Local planting restrictions may apply in fruit-growing areas. Keep the ornamental crabapple context and excluded M. floribunda explicit. Prairiefire/source spelling is reconciled with catalog Prairifire. [Conservation Garden Park](https://conservationgardenpark.jvwcd.gov/plants/3126/red-barron-crabapple) pairs Red Barron crabapple with printed Red Baron; the distinct orchard apple of that name is not covered. Named fruitless examples still require actual debris monitoring. Profile reference data: Height: 15–20 feet; Spread: 15–20 feet; USDA hardiness zones: 4–8; Flowers: rose, pink, red, white; Bloom time: April–May; Fall color: several. These are profile-level source values, not independent measurements of each named example or edits to this record's scalar fields. Native-form availability, wildlife use and general deer-resistance statements are not automatic attributes of every selection. The [2023 guide](https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pnw-590-fire-resistant-plants-home-landscapes) requires maintained, healthy, adequately watered plants and removal of dead/spent material. Keep the first 5 feet from the home free of plants. In the 5–30-foot zone separate planting groups by at least 10 feet, farther on slopes; avoid continuous rows and ladder fuels and keep tree branches at least 15 feet from the home. This is a regional source association, not a numerical flammability score or a claim of fireproofness. Older PNW editions and other regional ratings remain separate.