Scientific Name: Malus sp. Note: we are combining a large number of species of apples and looking at the genus as a whole here.
Common Name: apple
Native Range: based on species
Zone: based on species
Plant type & Form: shrub or small tree
Height: up to 15′
Spread: up 10 15′
Flower: showy, may be white to red in color, with 5 petals for each flower; appear in the spring
Fruit: round, 1-10 cm diameter, edible and sweet in some species; sometimes persist thru winter
Leaf: 3–10 cm long, alternate, simple, with a serrated margin
Sun: full
Soil type & pH: well drained
Maintenance: Species dependent
Note: Generally irregular form, with twisted trunks and low branching; spur shoots are prominent. When unpruned, numerous sucker shoots form along trunk and in crown.
Identification notes: Look for leaves whorled around the stem. Leaves are a lighter color underneath, and have a distinct apple like smell. The bark is generally smooth when the tree is young, and becomes scaly as it ages. The small to large apple fruits can also help you identify this tree.
