Both Carol Muth and Dan Nickerson sent messages re: the "Magic Bush" at Green Point WMA in Dresden. Carol's family has only been in the apple business since the 1820s, and Dan is the Apple Maven of Maine. So I value their remarks.
Both commented on the fact that many apple varieties are not self-pollinating, and crabapples are often planted to provide that service. Dan also mentioned that crabapple trees are often more frost-resistant than other apples. Neither expert thought it likely that owners of orchards would plant a crabapple as an ornamental.
The present "bush" is nearly devoid of fruit. When and if Bowax ever show up this fall, they'll have to look elsewhere for fruit. I've been scouring the entire WMA looking for another "pollinator" but can't find one. I did find a Hawthorne I didn't know was there, however. A few Pine Grosbeaks are still around, but feeding on extremely sparse winter berry. Redpolls, Pine Siskins and Goldfinches seem to be favoring the tall Evening Primrose seed heads. It's an easy plant to find, and one that really pulls in the seed-eaters.
Thanks again to Carol and Dan for their comments.
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