Sentinel crabapple is notable for its narrow upright form. Its rose-colored buds open to pale pink flowers. The bright red fruit persists into winter.

Crabapples are small flowering trees that provide a showy display in the spring landscape for 1 to 2 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.