Apple Malus domestica 'Claygate Pearmain' (D)
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Claygate Pearmain' is a type of apple tree that is well-regarded for its distinctive fruit. This apple variety typically bears a medium-sized fruit that is known for its excellent flavor. The apples have a somewhat lumpy and irregular shape, which gives them a rustic and natural look. The skin of the apple is a combination of green and yellow hues, often with a beautiful red or orange blush on the side that receives direct sunlight. The flesh of the fruit is creamy white, firm, and finely textured. It is sweet with a slight tartness and is highly aromatic, making it a favorite for fresh eating and also for making ciders. The leaves of the apple tree are oval-shaped with a pointed end and have finely serrated edges. They are a glossy, vibrant green color, providing a lush appearance throughout the growing season. In the spring, the plant produces an attractive display of blossoms that are usually white with a hint of pink. The blossoms are not only pleasing to the eye but also emit a lovely, delicate fragrance that can attract pollinators like bees to the garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Claygate Pearmain Apple
Common names
Malus domestica 'Claygate Pearmain'
ToxicityTo humans
Apple trees, including the cultivar Malus domestica 'Claygate Pearmain', are not toxic to humans when it comes to the fruit they produce. However, the seeds within the apples contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when chewed and metabolized. Ingesting a small number of seeds is unlikely to cause harm due to the low concentration of toxins, which the human body can detoxify in small quantities. Nevertheless, consuming a very large number of apple seeds could potentially lead to symptoms of cyanide poisoning, including headache, dizziness, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, and in extreme cases, can result in respiratory failure or even death.
To pets
Apple trees, such as the Malus domestica 'Claygate Pearmain', are generally considered safe for pets when it comes to the fruit flesh. However, the seeds, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be toxic if consumed in large quantities. Chewing and ingesting the seeds may release cyanide into the pet's body. While a few seeds are not likely to cause poisoning due to the low concentrations, consuming a large amount can result in cyanide poisoning. Symptoms in pets can include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, and in severe cases, can lead to coma or death. It is essential to keep an eye on pets and prevent them from eating large amounts of apple seeds, leaves, or stems.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
12-15 feet (3.7-4.6 meters)
Spread
12-15 feet (3.7-4.6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5-8
Native area
Eurasia
Benefits
General Benefits- Food Production: Produces edible apples that can be consumed fresh, cooked, or used in various culinary preparations.
- Economic Value: Can be cultivated commercially to sell apples and related apple products, providing income for growers.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Provides a habitat and food source for various birds and insects through its flowers, fruits, and foliage.
- Ornamental Appeal: Offers aesthetic value through its blossoming flowers in spring and fruit-bearing branches in the fall.
- Pollination Support: Flowers provide a source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Shade and Shelter: The tree offers shade and shelter in landscapes and gardens, creating microclimates and outdoor living spaces.
- Soil Improvement: As a perennial plant with deep roots, it can help to stabilize soil and improve its fertility over time.
- Carbon Sequestration: Like all trees, it captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, contributing to the mitigation of climate change.
- Cultural and Historical Significance: Certain apple varieties, including well-known ones like this, have historical and cultural importance in many regions.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wood Crafting: Apple wood is hard and dense, making it suitable for fine woodworking projects such as carving, turning, and making small pieces of furniture.
- Smoking Food: Chips or chunks of apple wood are used in smokers and grills to impart a sweet, fruity smoke flavor to meats like pork, chicken, and beef.
- Floral Arrangements: Branches of apple trees, especially when in bloom with flowers, can be used in decorative floral arrangements.
- Educational Tool: Apple trees can be used in school gardens or educational orchards to teach children about plant biology, pollination, and fruit development.
- Photography Prop: The attractive flowers and fruit of the apple tree can serve as a beautiful backdrop or subject in nature photography.
- Wildlife Habitat: Apple trees provide shelter and a food source for various birds and insects within their ecosystem, contributing to biodiversity.
- Handmade Paper: The fibrous material from the bark of apple trees can be used as a component in creating handmade paper.
- Musical Instruments: The dense wood of apple trees can be utilized in making parts of some musical instruments such as woodwind mouthpieces and drumsticks.
- Live Fencing: Apple trees can be planted in rows to form a living fence that can also yield fruit for consumption.
- Natural Play Structures: Robust apple tree branches can be used to create natural play structures or climbing frames for children in gardens or playgrounds.
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- Health: Malus domestica, commonly known as the apple tree, is often associated with health and vitality, owing to the famous saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." The fruit's nutritional value reinforces this symbolism.
- Knowledge: In Western culture, the apple is sometimes used as a symbol for knowledge and education, perhaps most famously represented in the Biblical story of Adam and Eve where the apple represents the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge.
- Love and Fertility: Apples have also been linked to love and fertility in various mythologies and folklore, symbolizing abundance and the sweetness of life.
- Immortality: In Norse and Greek myths, apples are seen as the food of the gods and are associated with eternal youth and immortality.
- Peace: The apple tree can represent peace, as it brings people together through its generous bounty and serves as a gathering place of tranquility and community.
WaterApple trees, including the 'Claygate Pearmain', require deep watering to establish a strong root system. During the growing season, water young trees weekly with about 5 gallons of water, adjusting for rainfall. Mature trees need watering every two to three weeks, with increased frequency during dry spells. Provide approximately 15-20 gallons per watering for mature trees to ensure soil is moist but not saturated. Regular watering is crucial especially during the fruit development phase.
LightApple trees like the 'Claygate Pearmain' thrive in full sun exposure, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for planting is an open area without shading from buildings or other trees. Adequate light is essential for healthy growth and optimal fruit production.
TemperatureThe 'Claygate Pearmain' apple tree is hardy and adapts to a range of temperatures, but it prefers a temperate climate. It can survive winter temperatures down to around -20°F and enjoys summer temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. Ideal growing conditions include warm days and cool nights, which is typical of many apple-growing regions.
PruningPruning the 'Claygate Pearmain' apple tree is necessary to maintain tree health, shape, and to encourage fruit production. Prune annually during late winter or early spring before new growth starts, removing dead or diseased wood and thinning out overcrowded branches. This allows for better air circulation and light penetration, vital for fruit ripening and reducing disease risk.
CleaningAs needed
SoilApple trees like 'Claygate Pearmain' prefer well-draining loam soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. For optimal growth, a mix containing one third each of garden soil, compost, and sharp sand or perlite is recommended to ensure good drainage and fertility.
Repotting'Claygate Pearmain' apple trees, when grown in containers, should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when roots become pot-bound. Ensure the new pot is larger to accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingApple trees like 'Claygate Pearmain' are adaptable to a range of humidity levels and do best in outdoor conditions where the humidity is natural and not controlled.
Suitable locationsIndoor
It's challenging; requires ample light, careful watering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Malus domestica 'Claygate Pearmain', commonly known as Apple 'Claygate Pearmain', initiates with seed germination, where under the appropriate conditions of moisture and temperature, the seeds sprout root and shoot. The sapling develops into a young tree, going through a juvenile phase before reaching maturity, typically within 3-5 years when it starts to blossom and produce fruit. Flowering occurs in spring with the tree producing white to pale pink blossoms which, after pollination by insects, develop into the fruit. The apple fruits typically ripen by late summer to fall, depending on the climate and growing conditions. Once the fruit is mature, it can be harvested, and seeds may spread naturally or through human action to start new trees. Throughout its life cycle, the tree undergoes seasonal changes, with deciduous leaves falling in winter and new growth appearing in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the apple tree 'Claygate Pearmain' is through grafting, particularly during the late winter or early spring before the sap rises. This involves taking a scion, a piece of a young apple tree's shoot with buds, typically around 6 to 8 inches long (15 to 20 centimeters), and uniting it with a rootstock. The scion should be from a healthy, disease-free branch of the desired variety, and the rootstock should be chosen for its ability to confer certain qualities like disease resistance, growth rate, and eventual size of the tree. Grafting is usually done by making a diagonal cut on both the scion and the rootstock to create a matching surface area that can be fitted together. The union is then bound with grafting tape or a similar material and sealed with grafting wax to prevent disease and retain moisture, ensuring the scion does not dry out as the graft heals.
