Apple Malus domestica 'Brownlee's Russet' (D)
ABOUT
The apple tree known as 'Brownlee's Russet' is cherished for its attractive and distinct fruits. The apples have a unique golden-brown skin that is covered with a fine russeting, giving them a slightly rough texture. The russet, which is a kind of rough, brownish skin, is quite pronounced and is a characteristic feature of this cultivar. The russeting provides a natural, heritage look that's valued by apple enthusiasts. Beyond its skin, the apples are of a medium size and often display a round to slightly oblong shape. This adds to their rustic charm. They may sometimes have patches or speckles of green, hinting at the variety's underlying color before the russeting takes over. The leaves of the tree are typical of apple varieties, being medium green and oval-shaped with serrated edges. They create a pleasing canopy that, come spring, bursts into a profusion of white to pale pink flowers. These blossoms are not only beautiful to look at but also attract pollinators like bees, which is essential for fruit production. In summary, 'Brownlee's Russet' apple tree produces fruit with an appealing golden-brown russeted skin and traditional apple shape, accompanied by characteristic apple foliage and blossoms that add to its aesthetic appeal.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Brownlee's Russet Apple, Brownlee's Russet.
Common names
Malus domestica 'Brownlee's Russet'
ToxicityTo humans
Apple trees, including the variety Malus domestica 'Brownlee's Russet', are not toxic to humans. The fruit is edible and commonly consumed. However, the seeds inside the apples contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when chewed and digested. Consuming a significant quantity of apple seeds can potentially lead to symptoms of cyanide poisoning, which include headache, confusion, agitation, difficulty breathing, and can be life-threatening in severe cases. It's important to note that accidental ingestion of a few seeds is generally not harmful due to the low concentration of amygdalin and the body's ability to detoxify small amounts of cyanide.
To pets
Apple trees, known simply as apples in their most common form, are also not toxic to pets. The fruit is safe for most pets to eat in modest amounts. However, similar to humans, the seeds contain amygdalin, which can be harmful if ingested in large quantities. If a pet consumes a large number of apple seeds, they may exhibit symptoms of cyanide poisoning, which might include panting, difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, and in extreme cases, shock or collapse. It is generally unlikely for a pet to ingest a harmful amount of seeds, but it is still recommended to remove the seeds before offering apple as a treat to pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
12-15 feet (3.6-4.5 meters)
Spread
12-15 feet (3.6-4.5 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Provides Fresh Fruit: The Apple tree produces fresh apples which can be consumed directly, used in cooking or for making cider.
- Nutritional Value: Apples provide essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber necessary for a healthy diet.
- Enhances Landscape: With its attractive blossoms in spring and vibrant leaves in autumn, the Apple tree adds beauty and seasonal interest to the landscape.
- Supports Biodiversity: By providing flowers for pollinators and fruits for various animals, the Apple tree helps support local ecosystems.
- Shade and Shelter: Mature Apple trees can offer shade and shelter, which can improve living spaces and provide habitats for many species of wildlife.
- Educational Opportunities: Growing and caring for an Apple tree can be an educational experience about fruit production, plant care, and the environment.
- Carbon Sequestration: Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to combat climate change and improve air quality.
- Craft and Woodworking Material: The wood of Apple trees can be used for various crafts and in woodworking for making small projects or furniture.
- Community Engagement: Orchards can foster community spirit and cooperation when maintained by local groups, and can be a source of local pride and tradition.
- Economic Value: Apple orchards can provide economic benefits through the sale of fruit, cider, and related products, contributing to local economies.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodcraft – The wood from apple trees can be used for carving or for making small pieces of furniture or wooden tools.
- Natural Dye – The leaves and the bark can be used to make natural dyes for fabrics or handicrafts.
- Baking Aid – Dried, powdered apple peels can be used as a natural substitute for pectin in baking to help thicken jams and jellies.
- Animal Feed – Excess or damaged apples can be used as feed for horses, pigs, and other farm animals.
- Garden Mulch – Fallen leaves and pruned branches can be shredded and used as mulch in gardens to enrich the soil and suppress weeds.
- Photography – The blossoms of the apple tree can provide an aesthetically pleasing subject for nature photographers, especially in spring.
- Fruit Picking Tool – Grafting branches from this variety onto other apple trees can create a tree with a desired blend of fruit, including some branches that produce the 'Brownlee's Russet' apples.
- Botanical Art – Leaves and blossoms can be used to create botanical prints or in pressed flower art projects.
- Educational Tool – Apple trees can be used in schools to teach students about plant growth, food production, and the lifecycle of fruit.
- Composting – Unusable fruits and plant parts can be composted to create a nutrient-rich compost for gardening purposes.
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 is often associated with knowledge, inspired by the story of Adam and Eve in the Christian tradition, where the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge was an apple.
- Immortality: In Norse mythology, apples are the food of the gods, granting them immortality, which is why apples are often symbolized as a fruit of eternal life.
- Love and Desire: Due to the fruit's sweetness and its role in various myths, apples are also symbolic of love and desire, representing both physical and romantic attraction.
- Temptation: Stemming from biblical times, the apple represents temptation, as it was the fruit that tempted Eve.
- Peace: In some cultures, the apple is a symbol of peace. This originates from the practice of giving an apple as a token of friendship or goodwill, suggesting a peaceful intention.
WaterThe Brownlee's Russet apple tree should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water which is equivalent to approximately 0.623 to 0.934 gallons for younger trees. Mature trees may require around 1.5 to 2 inches every 10 days during the growing season, translating to 0.934 to 1.248 gallons. Watering frequency should be adjusted based on weather conditions, with less water needed during rainy periods and more during drought. It's critical to water the roots deeply to encourage a strong root system, rather than frequent, shallow watering which can lead to weak surface roots.
LightThe Brownlee's Russet apple tree thrives in full sun, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal. Planting in an unobstructed location where the tree can receive ample sunlight throughout the day will ensure optimal growth and fruit production. Avoid planting in shaded areas as insufficient light can hinder the tree's health and fruit yield.
TemperatureThe ideal growing temperatures for Brownlee's Russet apple trees range between 60°F and 75°F. These trees can withstand winter lows down to around -20°F, but temperatures below this can cause damage. Above 90°F, trees may experience stress. It's important to plant them in a location where they can receive moderate temperatures for the best fruit development.
PruningPruning the Brownlee's Russet apple tree is essential for maintaining tree health, promoting vigorous growth, and improving fruit quality. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, typically in late winter to early spring before new growth starts. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches, and thin out the canopy to allow light to penetrate and air to circulate, which helps reduce disease pressure. Prune annually for best results.
CleaningAs needed
SoilApple trees like the 'Brownlee's Russet' prefer well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A good soil mix for apples can be made with one part loam, one part peat, and one part sand or perlite to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Regular testing and amendments with organic material will help maintain soil health and structure for optimal growth.
RepottingApple trees, including the 'Brownlee's Russet', typically do not require frequent repotting as they are often grown outdoors in the ground. If grown in containers, young trees may need repotting every 2 to 3 years. Older, larger trees can go longer without repotting and may prefer root pruning to container upsizing.
Humidity & MistingApple trees like the 'Brownlee's Russet' are adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and do well in the typical outdoor humidity found in their growing zones. They do not have specific humidity requirements, but adequate air circulation is important to prevent fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in bright light, seasonal outdoor sun exposure, water deeply and regularly.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, water regularly, protect from extreme cold.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Malus domestica 'Brownlee's Russet' is Apple. The life of an apple tree begins with germination, where seeds sprout roots and shoots after a period of cold stratification that mimics winter. Following germination, the seedling stage involves growth into a small tree, which then progresses to a juvenile phase where it gradually matures; this process can take several years before the tree is capable of flowering. Once mature, the apple tree enters its reproductive phase, producing blossoms in spring which, if pollinated, will develop into fruit by late summer or autumn. The fruit-bearing stage can last for many years, with the tree going through cycles of dormancy in winter and active growth in the warmer months. Lastly, the apple tree will eventually reach old age where fruit production declines and it becomes more susceptible to environmental stresses, diseases, and pests, leading to its eventual death.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
The most popular method of propagating the apple variety known as 'Brownlee's Russet' is through grafting, which is typically done in late winter or early spring. This process involves taking a scion, which is a piece of a stem with buds from a 'Brownlee's Russet' tree, and attaching it to a rootstock that has been specially chosen for its root characteristics. The scion should be about 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm) long with at least two or three buds. The cut surfaces of both the scion and rootstock are matched and joined together in such a way that the cambium layers (the actively growing tissue between the wood and bark) are in contact. This area is then wrapped with grafting tape or sealed with grafting wax to protect the union and prevent drying out. The graft should be kept moist and will usually begin to establish within a few weeks, with buds developing into shoots as the growing season progresses.
