Charles Ross Apple Malus domestica 'Charles Ross' (C/d)
ABOUT
The apple tree known as Charles Ross is renowned for its attractive appearance and the distinctive fruits it bears. The plant boasts a sturdy trunk with a branching structure that elegantly supports its crown. The leaves of this apple tree have a lush green hue, creating a vibrant backdrop for the blossoms and fruit. Each leaf typically has an oval shape with a slight point at the end, and the edges may be gently toothed. During the blooming season, the Charles Ross apple tree becomes particularly stunning owing to its abundant flowers. The blossoms are a lovely shade of soft pink that fades to pure white as they mature. Each individual flower has a rounded shape with delicate petals that surround a central cluster of yellow stamens, drawing pollinators such as bees to the plant. As the seasons transition, these flowers give way to the fruit for which the Charles Ross apple tree is admired. The apples are notably large and have a unique dual coloring. They possess a greenish-yellow foundation that is beautifully mottled with red and orange streaks, creating a warm, inviting appearance. The skin of the fruit is often smooth with a slight sheen, making them quite appealing to the eye. Overall, the visual allure of the Charles Ross apple tree throughout the year, from its spring blossoms to its autumn fruit, coupled with its verdant foliage, makes it a favorite among gardeners and fruit growers for both aesthetic and culinary purposes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Charles Ross Apple
Common names
Malus domestica 'Charles Ross'.
ToxicityTo humans
The most common name for Malus domestica 'Charles Ross' is the apple. Apples are not toxic to humans and are widely consumed as food. However, the seeds of apples contain amygdalin, a compound that can release cyanide when digested. Consuming a large number of seeds could potentially lead to cyanide poisoning, which can cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, stomach pain, nausea, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, and could be life-threatening in severe cases. It is rare for accidental ingestion to reach toxic levels in humans because the seeds contain small amounts of amygdalin, and the body can detoxify small doses of cyanide.
To pets
The apple is the common name for Malus domestica 'Charles Ross'. Like humans, pets, particularly dogs and cats, can safely consume the flesh of apples in moderation. However, the seeds, stems, and leaves contain amygdalin, which can be metabolized into cyanide. Cyanide toxicity in pets can result in symptoms such as dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, and in extreme cases, can lead to coma or death. Care should be taken not to allow pets to consume these parts of the apple in significant quantities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
12-16 feet (3.7-4.9 meters)
Spread
12-15 feet (3.7-4.6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Nutritional Value: Apples are a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C.
- Ornamental: 'Charles Ross' apple trees produce attractive blossoms in spring, enhancing garden aesthetics.
- Homegrown Taste: Growing your own apple tree allows you to enjoy fresh, homegrown fruit that often tastes better than store-bought varieties.
- Pollinator-Friendly: The flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Shade Provider: Once mature, apple trees can provide shade in gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Educational Value: Cultivating apple trees can be educational, teaching about plant life cycles and horticulture.
- Wildlife Habitat: The tree can serve as a habitat for birds and other wildlife.
- Local Food Production: Growing your own apple tree contributes to local food production and sustainability.
- Versatility: Apples from 'Charles Ross' can be eaten fresh, cooked, or used in various recipes.
- Long Storage Life: 'Charles Ross' apples can be stored for relatively long periods compared to other fruits, offering a longer usage time.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant effects - Apples, including 'Charles Ross', have been found to contain various antioxidants such as vitamin C and polyphenols, which can combat oxidative stress and may contribute to reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
- Dietary fiber source - Apples provide soluble and insoluble fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health and can help in preventing constipation and maintaining a healthy gut flora.
- Cardiovascular health - Regular consumption of apples has been associated with a lowered risk of heart disease, potentially due to the presence of fiber, vitamin C, and polyphenols that may contribute to improved cardiovascular function.
- Glycemic control - The fiber in apples can help slow the absorption of sugars, helping to regulate blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those trying to manage their blood sugar.
- Weight management - Apples, which are low in calories and high in fiber, can provide a feeling of fullness, thereby aiding in weight management.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography: The bright and attractive appearance of the Charles Ross apple can be used as a subject or backdrop in still life and nature photography.
- Art Projects: The leaves and apples can be used in art projects, such as printing patterns with apple halves or leaf stamping for children's crafts.
- Educational Tools: It can be used in educational settings to teach students about plant life cycles, fruit development, and horticulture.
- Natural Dyes: The skin and leaves of the Charles Ross apple can be boiled to create natural dyes for fabrics and yarns.
- Fruit Picking Experiences: Orchards can offer fruit picking experiences with Charles Ross apple trees as a recreational activity for families and tourists.
- Biodiversity Support: Planting Charles Ross apple trees can support local biodiversity by providing habitat and food sources for various insects and animals.
- Wood Crafting: Pruned branches from the apple tree can be repurposed for crafting small wooden items like handles, coasters, or decorative objects.
- Homemade Potpourri: Dried Charles Ross apple slices and leaves can be included in homemade potpourri mixtures for natural home fragrance.
- Cider Making Classes: Charles Ross apples can be used in cider making workshops, teaching participants how to turn apples into cider.
- Composting: Fallen apples and leaves from the tree can be added to compost bins to create nutrient-rich soil for gardening.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe apple tree is associated with peace and love in Feng Shui. It’s believed to enhance harmonious relationships and bring about peace in the home. Planting an apple tree in the garden, especially in the Southwest area which is related to love and marriage, can help to attract these energies.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe apple tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Knowledge and Wisdom: The apple has been a symbol of knowledge since the biblical tale of Adam and Eve, where the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge was an apple, offering wisdom but also representing a fall from innocence.
- Love and Desire: In Greek and Roman mythology, apples are frequently associated with love and beauty, as seen in the story of Paris awarding a golden apple to Aphrodite.
- Fertility and Abundance: As a fruit-bearing tree, apples are naturally connected to fertility and the bounties of harvest.
- Peace and Resolution: Offering an apple can also symbolize peace or the resolution of a conflict, as it is sometimes given as a token of truce or friendship.
WaterApple trees, including the variety 'Charles Ross', require deep and thorough watering to encourage proper root development. During the growing season, water young trees once a week with about 5 gallons per tree, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. For established trees, watering can be reduced to every two weeks, providing approximately 10 to 15 gallons each time, depending on weather conditions. Always water at the base of the tree, avoiding wetting the foliage to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. During dry spells, increase the frequency, but allow the soil to dry slightly between watering to prevent over-saturation.
Light'Charles Ross' apple trees perform best in full sunlight, receiving at least six to eight hours of direct sun daily. The ideal spot for planting is an open location away from buildings and large trees that may cast shade. The abundant light will help ensure good fruit production and overall health of the tree.
Temperature'Charles Ross' apple trees thrive in a range of temperatures and are cold hardy. They can withstand winter temperatures as low as -10 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperatures for these apple trees are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. They can survive brief spikes above these temperatures as long as they are watered adequately.
PruningPruning 'Charles Ross' apple trees is essential to maintain their health, encourage fruit production, and manage their size. Perform pruning during the dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring, to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Also prune to shape the tree and to open up the canopy for light penetration and air circulation. Annual pruning is recommended to maintain tree health and productivity.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Apple 'Charles Ross' is well-draining, loamy soil rich in organic matter. A pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for this apple variety to thrive. Amend the soil with compost before planting to improve fertility and structure.
RepottingApple 'Charles Ross' trees, being relatively large fruit trees, are not commonly repotted. Instead, they are planted once into the ground or a large outdoor container and allowed to grow without the need for repotting. Ensure proper spacing and site selection at the time of planting.
Humidity & MistingApple 'Charles Ross' prefers outdoor conditions where humidity is naturally regulated by the environment. It does not require specific humidity levels but rather thrives in the typical outdoor humidity ranges found in temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suitable for indoor; requires full sun, space.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, space for roots.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe 'Charles Ross' apple, a cultivar of Malus domestica, begins its life as a seed, germinating in the spring after a period of cold stratification. After germination, it grows into a sapling, developing a root system and foliage as it becomes a young tree. Over several years, it matures and undergoes vegetative growth, characterized by the development of a robust branching structure and the establishment of a canopy. The tree enters a reproductive phase, typically flowering in spring with pollination facilitated by bees, and then setting fruit, the Charles Ross apples, which ripen in late summer to early autumn. Once the fruit is mature, it is harvested, and seeds from the fruit can continue the cycle if grown in suitable conditions. Throughout its lifetime, which can span decades, the 'Charles Ross' apple tree experiences annual cycles of dormancy in winter and renewed growth in the subsequent spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
The most popular method of propagating the apple tree 'Charles Ross' is through grafting. This is typically done in late winter or early spring, before the trees come out of dormancy and after the threat of severe frost has passed. In grafting, a scion, which is a young shoot or twig from the 'Charles Ross' tree, is selected and cut at a diagonal to expose a large surface area. This scion is then inserted into a cut made in the rootstock, which is commonly a hardier apple variety that provides a strong root system. The two are joined together so that the vascular tissues match up, ensuring the flow of nutrients and water between the scion and rootstock. The grafting union is then securely wrapped and sealed to prevent drying out and infection, and the graft is left to heal, eventually forming a strong union, allowing the scion to grow and develop into a new 'Charles Ross' apple tree.
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