Malus sargentii is notable for its low, spreading habit. Reddish-pink buds open to white flowers and are followed by small red fruit that persist until frost. This species is extensively planted at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Crabapples are small flowering trees that provide a showy display in the spring landscape for one to two weeks. In addition to the eye-catching buds and flowers, their foliage, habit, and fruit make them attractive plants almost year-round. They are actively hybridized for flower color, leaf color, fruit size/color, shape and, most importantly, disease resistance. Crabapple fruits are usually not eaten by humans but are beloved by birds. Most crabapples benefit from modest amounts of pruning to eliminate water sprouts and improve airflow.