Cox's Orange Pippin Apple Malus domestica 'Cox's Orange Pippin' (D)
ABOUT
Cox's Orange Pippin is a popular variety of apple tree that produces fruit recognized for its distinctive orange-red skin that may have flushes of yellow or green. The sun-kissed appearance often features a mix of colors, known as a blush, which can vary among individual apples. The skin can have a slightly rough texture with some russeting around the stem. The apples themselves are medium-sized and usually round in shape, with the potential for slight ribbing. Upon cutting it open, you would find the flesh to be a creamy white or pale yellow, and it is known for being exceptionally juicy and crisp, providing a satisfying crunch when bitten into. The leaves of the Cox's Orange Pippin apple tree are dark green, with a typical oval shape and pointed ends, often exhibiting a slightly wrinkled surface. They come together along the branches, creating a dense canopy that would appear lush during the growing season. In bloom, the tree sports abundant clusters of fragrant white to pale pink blossoms that stand out against the foliage. The flowers are an attractive feature in the spring, attracting pollinators to the garden before giving way to the developing fruit. Overall, Cox's Orange Pippin is cherished for the high-quality apples it reliably produces every year.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Cox's Orange Pippin, Cox's Orange, Cox Pippin, Cox.
Common names
Malus domestica 'Cox's Orange Pippin'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question is commonly known as the apple tree. The apple tree fruit, or apples, are widely recognized as safe and nutritious for human consumption. However, the seeds within the apple contain amygdalin, a compound which can release cyanide when digested. Ingesting a small number of apple seeds is generally considered safe for humans, as the body can detoxify small doses of cyanide. But eating a large number of apple seeds could potentially lead to cyanide poisoning, whose symptoms include headache, confusion, dizziness, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, can lead to cardiac arrest and death. It should be noted that incident incidents of poisoning from apple seeds are extremely rare as the seeds are typically not consumed in large quantities.
To pets
The common name for Malus domestica 'Cox's Orange Pippin' (D) is also the apple tree. The flesh of apples is generally safe for pets like dogs and cats to eat in moderation. However, as with humans, the seeds contain amygdalin and can release cyanide if digested. Small quantities might not cause any harm, but larger amounts could potentially lead to cyanide poisoning in pets as well. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning in pets may include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, and shock. It is also important to note that the core and stem of the apple can pose a choking hazard or cause gastrointestinal obstruction in pets. To prevent any risk, owners should remove the seeds, stem, and core before offering apple pieces to their pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
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
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Flavor: Cox's Orange Pippin apples are renowned for their exceptional flavor, often described as rich and complex with a balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Home Gardening: The tree is suitable for home gardens as it is relatively compact and can be a rewarding choice for growers who wish to produce high-quality fruit at home.
- Culinary Versatility: These apples can be used in a variety of dishes, ranging from fresh salads to baked desserts, thanks to their unique flavor profile that holds up well in cooking.
- Pollination Partner: Being a cultivar that produces a lot of pollen, it's beneficial for pollinating other apple varieties, which can improve the overall yield of an apple orchard.
- Ornamental Value: The tree provides ornamental value with its beautiful blossoms in the spring and attractive fruit in the fall, making it a dual-purpose landscape addition.
- Local Habitat Support: The flowers of Cox's Orange Pippin apple trees provide an important nectar source for bees and other pollinating insects during bloom time.
- Seasonal Rhythms: The tree's lifecycle, from blossom to harvest, aligns with seasonal activities and celebrations, contributing to cultural and community events centered around apple picking and autumn harvest.
- Fruit Diversity: Growing this variety contributes to the preservation of heirloom apple varieties, promoting genetic diversity within orchards and protecting against the loss of unique fruit cultivars.
- Educational Value: Its cultivation offers educational opportunities for aspiring horticulturists or those interested in heritage fruit varieties, their history, and cultivation techniques.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wood Smoking Chips: Wood from the apple tree can be dried and used as smoking chips for barbecuing to infuse a sweet, fruity flavor into meats and other foods.
- Natural Dye: The bark and leaves can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or crafts, with colors ranging from yellow to brown depending on mordants used.
- Grafting Stock: Apple trees, including the 'Cox's Orange Pippin', can serve as rootstocks for grafting other apple varieties to control size and improve disease resistance.
- Wildlife Habitat: The tree provides habitat and food for birds and insects, especially when allowed to grow without heavy pruning or chemical treatments.
- Pomace for Livestock Feed: After juicing apples, the remaining pomace can be fed to livestock as a nutrient-rich food supplement.
- Woodworking Material: The wood of an apple tree is good for small woodworking projects, turning, and carving, as it is hard and has a fine grain.
- Photography Prop: Branches with blossoms or fruit can be used by photographers as props to enhance the composition of their photos.
- Floral Arrangements: Apple blossoms or fruit-laden branches can be incorporated into floral arrangements for their beauty and fragrance.
- Education and Research: The 'Cox's Orange Pippin' apple tree can be used for genetic studies or in educational settings to teach about plant biology and fruit development.
- Garden Structure: Mature trees can form part of a garden structure, offering shade and structure within the landscape design.
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- Love and Temptation: Apples, such as in the variety 'Cox's Orange Pippin', often symbolize love and temptation, harking back to the story of Adam and Eve in the Judeo-Christian tradition where the apple represents the forbidden fruit.
- Knowledge: In mythology and folklore, apples are associated with knowledge and wisdom. This can be seen in the various myths where apples reveal some truth or provide insight.
- Youthfulness and Beauty: Apples sometimes represent youth and beauty, as they are often linked to stories of rejuvenation and allure.
- Prosperity: An apple like the 'Cox's Orange Pippin' can also be a symbol of abundance and prosperity due to their rich harvests and the sustenance they provide.
- Peace: In some cultural narratives, the apple is a symbol of peace and harmony, as it's given as a token of reconciliation or used in rituals to promote tranquility.
WaterCox's Orange Pippin apple trees should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 2 inches of water, which can be roughly estimated as 5 to 15 gallons for young trees and up to 15 to 30 gallons for mature trees, depending on the soil type and weather conditions. During the growing season, especially in the absence of sufficient rainfall, it's important to maintain consistent soil moisture without overwatering, which can lead to root rot. In hot and dry periods, you may need to water twice a week, but always check the soil moisture before doing so to avoid waterlogging. Reduce the frequency of watering as the tree goes dormant in the fall.
LightThe Cox's Orange Pippin apple tree requires full sunlight to thrive, ideally receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The best spot for planting is in a location where it will get uninterrupted sun exposure throughout the day to ensure healthy growth and fruit production. Avoid planting in shaded areas, as insufficient light can lead to poor fruiting and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
TemperatureCox's Orange Pippin apple trees flourish in a range of temperatures but perform best between 60°F and 75°F. Extreme temperatures above 90°F or below 28°F can be harmful, especially when the trees are in bloom or newly setting fruit. They are hardy and can tolerate winter temperatures as low as -20°F, but prolonged exposure to freezing conditions can damage or kill the tree. Spring frosts can also be a risk, so it's important to plant in a location with some protection from late season frosts.
PruningPruning Cox's Orange Pippin apple trees is essential for maintaining tree health, encouraging fruit production, and facilitating good airflow within the canopy. It should be done during dormancy in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. Thinning out crowded branches and removing dead or diseased wood helps to improve light penetration and reduces the risk of disease. Annual pruning is recommended, with more substantial cuts made less frequently to avoid stressing the tree.
CleaningAs needed
SoilApple trees like the Cox's Orange Pippin prefer well-draining soils rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A good mix would be one part loam, one part peat moss or compost, and one part sand or perlite to facilitate drainage.
RepottingApple trees like the Cox's Orange Pippin, grown in containers, should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to prevent root crowding and to replenish nutrients in the soil mix.
Humidity & MistingCox's Orange Pippin apple trees, being hardy to a range of outdoor conditions, do not require specific humidity levels and thrive well in the natural humidity typically found outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal indoors; requires full sun, seasonal changes.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA.
Life cycleThe Cox's Orange Pippin apple tree begins its life cycle with germination from seed, though commercially it is often propagated via grafting onto rootstocks for desirable traits such as disease resistance. The seedling grows into a young tree, which undergoes a juvenile phase that can last several years before it is capable of flowering. Once mature, the tree enters the flowering stage in spring, producing blossoms that, if pollinated, will develop into fruit. After pollination, the blossoms give way to small apple fruitlets which grow over the summer months. The apples reach maturity in late summer to autumn, turning from green to the characteristic orange-red color of the Cox's Orange Pippin. Upon ripening, the apples are harvested and the tree enters a period of dormancy through the winter, preparing for the next cycle of growth in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter - early spring
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Cox's Orange Pippin apple trees is through grafting, which is typically done in late winter or early spring before the sap starts to flow. In this process, a cutting from a Cox's Orange Pippin apple tree, known as a scion, is taken with several buds on it. This scion is then grafted onto a compatible rootstock, which will determine the size and vigor of the resulting tree. The grafting site is carefully joined and sealed with grafting tape or sealant to protect it from diseases and ensure that the vascular tissues of the scion and rootstock grow together. Once the graft has taken, which can be confirmed by the growth of new shoots, the tree then continues to grow and will eventually bear fruit that is true to the variety of the Cox's Orange Pippin.
