Malus sylvestris
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- M. pumila
- Phonetic Spelling
- MAY-lus sil-VES-tris
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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The scientific name Malus sylvestris means "forest apple". This deciduous tree is typically found growing in the wild in woods containing oak and is a food source for many undomesticated animals. It can grow individually or in a small group along forest edges, thickets hedgerows, and roadsides as well as in a variety of soils, including clay. It prefers a sunny location but will grow in partial shade. However, a sunny location with moist soil will provide the most fruits.
Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: Susceptible to honey fungus. The toxin hydrogen cyanide is contained in the seeds and possibly the leaves of this tree.
The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common apple and crab apple diseases and other plant problems.
Loss of habitat is a major issue for the survival of this rare tree. Its native countries have set up seed bank collections and conservation areas to help the species survive.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Extension Master Gardener℠ Demonstration Garden, Durham Co.
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Prairie fire'
- 'Prairie fire'
- 'Prairie fire'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Prairie fire'
- 'Prairie fire'
- 'Prairie fire'
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Malus
- Species:
- sylvestris
- Family:
- Rosaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Root Cutting
- Seed
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Europe and Turkey
- Fire Risk Rating:
- high flammability
- Wildlife Value:
- Birds and other wildlife eat the fruit.
- Play Value:
- Attracts Pollinators
- Wildlife Food Source
- Edibility:
- EDIBLE PARTS: Apples, but discard the seeds. HARVEST TIME: Only collect fruit from areas you know have NOT been treated with pesticides. SAFE HANDLING PROCEDURES: Wash fruit thoroughly with warm water to remove dirt and debris. Do not use dish detergent or any type of sanitizer. These products can leave a residue. Wild apples are generally quite a bit smaller than cultivated varieties. They also tend to be somewhat harder and definitely more tart. Crab-apples can be used in place of domestic apples in many cooked recipes.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Edible
- Poisonous
- Tree
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Moist
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- Red/Burgundy
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Pome
- Fruit Description:
- Fleshy, green, yellow, or red with a tart flavor that is used for jellies, preserves, and juices. The fruit is a great source of pectin which is used as a thickener in jams. The seeds are poisonous.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- White
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Description:
- Showy, white to pinkish, 5-parted
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Margin:
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Alternate, simple, toothed
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Single stemmed tree.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Edible Garden
- Design Feature:
- Flowering Tree
- Problems:
- Poisonous to Humans
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
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Poisonous to Humans:
- Poison Severity:
- Low
- Poison Symptoms:
- TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN. Seeds cause difficult breathing, trembling, spasms, and coma of short duration. Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, panting, shock.
- Poison Toxic Principle:
- Cyanogenic glycoside, amygdalin
- Causes Contact Dermatitis:
- No
- Poison Part:
- Leaves
- Seeds
