Malus sylvestris
European wild apple
Overview
Malus sylvestris is a small deciduous tree in the family Rosaceae, growing 13-33 feet (4-10 m) tall with a broad, rounded crown of similar spread. The trunk reaches 8-16 inches (20-40 cm) in diameter, with greyish-brown bark that cracks into small plates; older branches frequently bear short, stiff spines. Oval to rounded leaves, 1.2-3.5 inches (3-9 cm) long, are dark green above and nearly hairless when mature, with finely toothed margins. In late April and May the tree carries clusters of five-petalled flowers 0.6-1.6 inches (1.5-4 cm) across, white flushed with pink on the outside. The fruit is a hard, rounded pome 0.7-1.4 inches (1.8-3.5 cm) wide, green ripening to yellow-green and sometimes red-tinged, remaining sharply acidic and astringent. The species grows in hedgerows, woodland edges, and scrub across most of Europe on a wide range of soils. It is slow-growing and intolerant of deep shade and waterlogging, and garden trees are frequently hybridised with the cultivated apple Malus domestica, so genetically pure individuals are uncommon. The fruit feeds birds and mammals, and the spring flowers are visited by bees and other pollinators.
Native Range
Native to Europe, from Britain and southern Scandinavia south to the Iberian Peninsula, Italy, and the Balkans, and east to the Caucasus. It grows wild in hedgerows, oak and beech woodland margins, and scrub, scattered rather than forming stands.Suggested Uses
Planted in native hedgerows, woodland-edge and conservation plantings, and wildlife gardens, where its blossom and fruit support insects, birds, and mammals. The acidic fruit is used in jellies and as a traditional source of pectin and verjuice. Grafted forms are also grown as pollination partners for orchard apples.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height13' - 33'
Width/Spread13' - 30'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in late April and May, after the leaves emerge. The five-petalled blossoms, white flushed pink outside, open in small clusters along short spurs and last about two to three weeks. Cross-pollination by bees between separate trees is needed for reliable fruit set.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
