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Stayman Winesap Apple Malus domestica 'Stayman'

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
MAY-lus doh-MESS-tik-a
Description

The Stayman apple is a triploid cultivar (three chromosomes instead of two) that can consistently bear apples if no conditions like freezing or late frosts happen. The size of the tree depends on the varieties you choose, standard, semi-dwarf or dwarf. It needs other apple trees to ensure pollination because of its triploid heritage, with potential choices including Gala, Golden or Red Delicious. It grows rather slowly at less than 12'' per year.

Soil type needed is average to loamy but responds to enriched soil with better production. Most apple trees do best with a slightly acidic soil pH in the range of 5.0 to 6.8. Fruit production will respond best to full sun and air movement around the tree and through its branches. It is not recommended to place the tree near taller trees or structures that would shade it for a few hours each day. Air movement, sunlight, and good soil and drainage all lead to a healthy, productive tree.

Its height and width vary from 10 feet, 12-15 feet, to 20-25 feet. This tree grows well in acidic, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, silty loam and well-drained soil. It grows upright in an oval or round shape but can be pruned to a more spreading, horizontal shape. The semi-dwarf may need pruning to maintain a lower height. 

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common apple and crab apple diseases and other plant problems.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.   

More information on Malus domestica.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#full sun tolerant#white flowers#native fruit tree
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#full sun tolerant#white flowers#native fruit tree
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Malus
    Species:
    domestica
    Family:
    Rosaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Grafting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    USA
    Wildlife Value:
    Pollinators during blooming
    Edibility:
    The medium to large-sized, roundish-conic fruit has a thick, red skin. Stayman apple is crisp and juicy with a flavor that combines sweet and tart. It is great for making pies, cider and eating fresh. Ripens from mid to late October. The fruit can be kept up to 6 months if stored in colder temps in the near 40 range.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 10 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 10 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Edible
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Horizontal
    Oval
    Rounded
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    6-feet-12 feet
    12-24 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Pome
    Fruit Description:
    The medium to large-sized, roundish-conic fruit has a thick, red skin. The taste is sweet/tart and crisp. The apple ripens from mid to late October.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    It blooms mid to late season with white flowers.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Meadow
    Naturalized Area
    Landscape Theme:
    Edible Garden
    Design Feature:
    Small groups
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Hummingbirds