Malus Pumila - Mill.

Common Name

Paradise Apple, Common Apple, Apple Tree

Family

Rosaceae

USDA hardiness

3-8

Known Hazards

All members of this genus contain the toxin hydrogen cyanide in their seeds and possibly also in their leaves, but not in their fruits. Hydrogen cyanide is the substance that gives almonds their characteristic taste but it should only be consumed in very small quantities. Apple seeds do not normally contain very high quantities of hydrogen cyanide but, even so, should not be consumed in very large quantities. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.

Habitats

Not known in a truly wild situation[74].

Range

Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain, Greece and S.W. Asia.

Edibility Rating

Other Uses

Weed Potential

Medicinal Rating

Care

Summary
Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Mid spring. Form: Oval, Spreading or horizontal, Upright or erect.


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http://www.hear.org/starr/

Physical Characteristics
Malus Pumila is a deciduous Tree growing to 7 m (23ft) at a medium rate. It is hardy to zone (UK) 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in April. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Synonyms
Pyrus malus pumila.

Habitats
Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Fruit. Edible Uses: Fruit - raw, cooked in pies, cakes etc or fermented into cider[183]. The taste can be sweet and pleasant. The fruit can be up to 6cm in diameter[200].

Medicinal Uses

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Anthelmintic; Antibacterial; Bach; Hypnotic; Refrigerant.

The bark, and especially the root bark, is anthelmintic, refrigerant and soporific[218, 240]. An infusion is used in the treatment of intermittent, remittent and bilious fevers[240]. The fruit is said to dispel gas, dissolve mucous, cure flux and be a tonic for anaemia, bilious disorders and colic[218]. The leaves contain up to 2.4% of an antibacterial substance called 'phloretin'[240]. This inhibits the growth of a number of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria in as low a concentration as 30 ppm[240]. The plant is used in Bach flower remedies - the keywords for prescribing it are 'The cleansing remedy', 'Despondency' and 'Despair'[209].

Other Uses
Dye; Rootstock. Used as a rootstock for the cultivated apples, there are several named varieties[50]. A yellow dye is obtained from the bark[257].

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Container, Espalier, Specimen. An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most fertile soils, preferring a moisture retentive well-drained loamy soil[1, 200]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a sunny position but succeeds in partial shade though it fruits less well in such a situation[1, 200]. A parent of the cultivated apple[200], it is occasionally cultivated for its edible fruit and also as a dwarfing rootstock[50]. There are some named forms[200]. The fruit is a good wildlife food source, especially for birds[200]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[200]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[200]. Special Features:Attracts birds, Not North American native, Attractive flowers or blooms.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. It usually germinates in late winter. Stored seed requires stratification for 3 months at 1°c and should be sown in a cold frame as soon as it is received[200]. It might not germinate for 12 months or more. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. If given a rich compost they usually grow away quickly and can be large enough to plant out in late summer, though consider giving them some protection from the cold in their first winter. Otherwise, keep them in pots in a cold frame and plant them out in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of mature wood, November in a frame[11].

Other Names

Found In

Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.