Annie Elizabeth Apple Malus domestica 'Annie Elizabeth' (C)
ABOUT
The Annie Elizabeth apple is a variety with a distinctly pleasing appearance. Its fruits, the central feature of the plant, are typically large and possess a bright, eye-catching coloration. The skin of the fruit often displays a blend of green and red hues, with the red sometimes deepening to a crimson flush. This coloring can vary depending on the sunlight exposure, but the red blush is a distinctive feature. The shape of the apples is typically round to slightly oblong, with a well-defined, sometimes five-pointed basin at the bottom where the flower once was. The flesh inside the fruit is known for being firm and white, offering a crisp texture when bitten into. It is juicy, balancing a sweet and sharp taste that is favored by many. The leaves of the Annie Elizabeth apple tree are ovate with a slightly serrated edge and a glossy, dark green color that provides a lovely contrast to the fruit and the grayish-brown bark of its branches and trunk. In spring, the tree is adorned with an attractive display of blossoms that are usually white tinted with pink. These blooms contribute to the tree’s ornate appearance, adding to its charm in a garden setting. Overall, the Annie Elizabeth apple is admired for its decorative fruits and the additional aesthetic contributions it makes throughout the changing seasons.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Annie Elizabeth Apple
Common names
Malus domestica 'Annie Elizabeth'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question is commonly known as the apple tree. For humans, apples are not toxic and are widely consumed as a healthy fruit. However, the seeds of the apple tree contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when chewed or digested. Though poisoning from apple seeds is extremely rare because a large number of seeds would need to be chewed and consumed to deliver a toxic dose. If enough cyanide were ingested, symptoms could include headache, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, seizures, cardiac arrest, and death.
To pets
The apple tree, when it comes to pets, the flesh of the apple is not toxic to them; however, similar to humans, the seeds contain amygdalin, which can be harmful if ingested in large quantities. The potential cyanide poisoning symptoms in pets can include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, and in extreme cases can be fatal. It is important to keep apple seeds away from pets and to remove the core and seeds before feeding apples to them.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
12-15 feet [3.6-4.6 meters]
Spread
12-15 feet [3.6-4.6 meters]
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5-6
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Food Production: Malus domestica 'Annie Elizabeth,' commonly known as the Annie Elizabeth apple, produces edible fruits that can be consumed fresh or used in various culinary applications.
- Ornamental Value: With its attractive blossoms in spring and colorful fruit in the fall, it serves as an ornamental addition to gardens and landscapes.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers provide nectar for pollinators like bees, while the fruits can serve as a food source for birds and other wildlife.
- Shade: Mature trees can offer shade in gardens and outdoor spaces, creating cool areas during warm months.
- Cultural Significance: Apple trees have been cultivated for thousands of years, and varieties like Annie Elizabeth are often celebrated in cultural traditions and festivals.
- Local Economy Support: Apple cultivation can support local agriculture and economies, especially in areas where this tree is well-adapted to the climate.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodworking - The wood from the apple tree can be used for carving or turning, making it suitable for small projects such as tool handles, craft items, or even smoking pipes.
- Smoking Food - Apple wood is highly regarded for smoking meats, imparting a mild, fruity flavor to the smoked food.
- Natural Dye - Leaves and bark from the apple tree can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics and yarns.
- Photography Prop - The striking blossoms or apples from the tree can be used as a natural prop in photography, lending a rustic or seasonal touch.
- Garden Companion Planting - Apple trees can be strategically planted in a garden to provide shade and support for plants that prefer less intense sun.
- Educational Tools - Branches with buds, flowers, or fruits can be used in classrooms or educational settings to teach students about plant biology and the life cycle of fruit-bearing trees.
- Potpourri - Dried apple slices and leaves can be included in homemade potpourri for natural room scents.
- Insect Repellent - Some cultures hang branches or spread leaves of certain apple tree varieties around to naturally deter insects without the use of chemicals.
- Live Fencing - The trees can be pruned and trained to grow as a living fence or barrier, providing both aesthetics and utility in a landscape.
- Art Supplies - Apple tree branches can be cut into small segments and used as stamps or stencils for arts and crafts projects
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Apple Tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Apple Tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Knowledge: The apple tree, Malus domestica, has been a symbol of knowledge rooted in the Biblical story of Adam and Eve, wherein the apple represented the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.
- Immortality: In Norse mythology, apples are associated with eternal youth and immortality, as the gods maintained their youth by eating magic apples.
- Temptation: Similar to its role in the story of Adam and Eve, the apple tree can symbolize temptation due to the seemingly irresistible allure of its fruit.
- Love and Fertility: In Greek and Roman mythology, apples are often connected to love and fertility goddesses, such as Aphrodite, and were common gifts in courtship rituals.
- Abundance: An apple tree full of fruit can also symbolize abundance and prosperity due to the plentiful harvest it can provide.
WaterApple trees, including the 'Annie Elizabeth' variety, generally prefer deep, infrequent watering to ensure that the water reaches the root system. It's recommended to water mature trees once every week or two with about 10 gallons per inch of trunk diameter, measured at knee height. During particularly dry spells in the summer, you might need to water more frequently. Newly planted or young trees require more consistent moisture, so aim to water them once a week with 1-2 gallons until they are established. Always adjust your watering based on soil conditions, ensuring it's moist but not waterlogged.
LightApple trees, such as the 'Annie Elizabeth,' thrive in full sun. They need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce the best fruit. The ideal spot for planting is in an open area away from taller trees or structures that could shade them. Avoid areas that are prone to frost pockets where cold air settles, as this can damage blossoms and affect fruit production.
TemperatureThe 'Annie Elizabeth' apple tree grows best in a range of temperate climates. It is hardy and can tolerate winter temperatures as low as -20°F to -30°F. The ideal growing temperatures for this apple tree are between 60°F and 75°F during the growing season. It requires a certain number of chill hours, generally between 800 to 1000 hours below 45°F, to break dormancy and ensure a good fruit set.
PruningPruning apple trees, including 'Annie Elizabeth,' improves sunlight exposure, air circulation, and encourages a strong tree structure. It's best to prune in late winter while the tree is dormant. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood, thin out crowded branches, and shape the tree to allow for better fruit production. Trimming should be done annually to maintain the health and productivity of the tree.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Apple 'Annie Elizabeth' is well-draining, fertile loam with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Incorporate aged compost or a balanced slow-release fertilizer to provide essential nutrients.
RepottingApple trees, including 'Annie Elizabeth', are typically not repotted as they are grown outdoors. Instead, they may need transplanting every few years if grown in an orchard to ensure ample space for growth.
Humidity & MistingApple 'Annie Elizabeth' trees are adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions and do best with the moderate ambient humidity found in most outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal to grow indoors, needs sun, space. Consider dwarf variety.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun, springtime.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycle'Annie Elizabeth' apple trees (Malus domestica 'Annie Elizabeth') begin their life cycle as a seed that germinates in favorable conditions of soil and temperature. The seedling emerges and grows into a young sapling through a process that involves root establishment and sprouting of initial leaves. This sapling stages involves juvenile vegetative growth, where the tree prioritizes increases in height and leaf production, eventually reaching maturity after several years. Once mature, the apple tree enters the flowering stage annually, usually in spring, where it produces blossoms that are pollinated by insects, leading to fruit set. The fruits develop over the summer months, with 'Annie Elizabeth' apples typically ripening in late autumn, at which point they can be harvested. The tree then enters a period of dormancy during the winter months, conserving energy before the cycle restarts with the next flowering phase in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter
The most popular method for propagating the 'Annie Elizabeth' apple tree, a variety of Malus domestica, is by grafting. This is commonly done in late winter or early spring when the tree is still dormant. Scion wood, which is a piece of a one-year-old shoot containing two to three buds, is cut from a healthy 'Annie Elizabeth' apple tree. This scion is then joined to a rootstock that can provide disease resistance and control the size of the tree. The union is made through methods such as whip grafting or cleft grafting, and it is sealed with grafting tape or wax to protect it against diseases and dehydration. The grafted tree is then planted out, and with proper care, it will grow into a new 'Annie Elizabeth' apple tree bearing the same quality of fruit as the parent tree.
