Egremont Russet Apple Malus domestica 'Egremont Russet' (D)
ABOUT
The apple tree known as 'Egremont Russet' is cherished for its distinctive fruit and is widely recognized for its traditional, almost antique appeal. The apples themselves are medium in size, with a unique, rough, golden-brown russeted skin that sets them apart from the usual glossy varieties. The skin texture is somewhat sandpapery, a tactile experience quite different from the smooth apples commonly found in grocery stores. As the fruit matures, the tree bears an eye-catching display with apples that sometimes exhibit a slight greenish tinge beneath their russeted exterior. The leaves of the 'Egremont Russet' are a typical green, displaying a dense, bushy growth that complements the rough texture of the fruit skin. The blossoms, present during the flowering season, show off a delicate white, with a subtle hint of pink, offering a soft contrast to the robust appearance of the fruit and foliage. While offering a pleasing aesthetic, the tree blooms in spring, ensuring a spectacle of soft colors that herald the arrival of the russet apples later in the season. The intricate interplay of textures, colors, and forms makes the 'Egremont Russet' an attractive and characterful addition to any suitable space, celebrated both for its visual charms and the distinctive, rich flavor of its fruit.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Egremont Russet Apple
Common names
Malus domestica 'Egremont Russet'.
ToxicityTo humans
The most common common name of Malus domestica 'Egremont Russet' is the apple. Apples are not toxic to humans when consumed as the fruit pulp. However, the seeds of the apple contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when chewed and digested. Accidental ingestion of small amounts of apple seeds usually does not cause harm due to the low concentration of toxins and because the seeds are often passed without being broken down. However, consuming a very large quantity of apple seeds could potentially lead to cyanide poisoning, although this is extremely rare. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, seizures, cardiac arrest, and could even be fatal.
To pets
The most common common name of Malus domestica 'Egremont Russet' is the apple. Apples, in general, are not toxic to pets such as dogs and cats, but as with humans, the seeds of the apple can be harmful. The seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when ingested. Typically, a pet would need to consume a very large number of apple seeds to suffer from cyanide poisoning. If a pet does ingest a significant quantity of apple seeds, symptoms may include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, and shock. It is usually advised to prevent pets from accessing apple seeds and to core apples before offering them as a treat.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
10-20 feet (3-6 meters)
Spread
10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5-7
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Egremont Russet apple tree produces attractive golden-brown russeted apples that can add to the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Edible Fruit: It provides a source of delicious and sweet fruit with a unique nutty flavor, ideal for fresh eating, cooking, or cider-making.
- Pollination Partner: This variety can serve as a pollinator for other apple trees, helping to improve overall fruit yield in a garden or orchard.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The tree can offer habitat, shelter, and food for various birds, bees, and other beneficial insects.
- Shade and Cooling: Like other trees, the Egremont Russet can provide shade and natural cooling for residential areas, potentially reducing energy costs for cooling buildings.
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 apple trees, such as the Egremont Russet, can be used in woodworking to create small, decorative objects or inlays with a unique grain pattern and scent.
- Crafting natural dyes: The leaves and bark of the apple tree can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics and yarn with varying tones of brown and yellow depending on the mordant used.
- Gardening: Apple trees can provide structure and height in garden design, as well as seasonal interest with their blossoms and fruit.
- Photography subject: The distinctive look of the Egremont Russet with its russeted skin can provide an interesting subject for still-life photography or botanical illustration.
- Bird Habitat: Apple trees can attract and provide shelter and nesting sites for various bird species, enhancing biodiversity.
- Education: Apple trees like the Egremont Russet can be used in educational settings to teach about plant biology, fruit development, and horticultural practices.
- Culinary education: Cooking classes can use the unique flavor profile of the Egremont Russet to educate about heirloom apple varieties and taste comparison.
- Floral arrangements: The branches and blossoms of apple trees can be used in floral arrangements, especially in spring.
- Biomass production: Pruned branches and fallen leaves from apple trees can contribute to biomass, which can be used for composting or mulch.
- Festival decorations: In autumnal festivals, the apples from the Egremont Russet can be used as natural decorations, symbolizing the harvest season.
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 and Wisdom: The apple, much like in the story of Adam and Eve, often symbolizes knowledge, wisdom, and the pursuit of truth.
- Forbidden Desires: As depicted in various mythologies and stories, apples are sometimes associated with temptation and forbidden desires.
- Abundance and Fertility: Because of their plentiful fruit and blossoms, apples can represent abundance, prosperity, and fertility.
- Eternal Youth: In Norse mythology, apples were believed to grant eternal youth to the gods.
- Love and Affection: Apples have been a traditional symbol of love and affection, often included in love rituals and lore.
WaterApple trees like the Egremont Russet require consistent moisture, particularly during the growing season. It's best to water deeply once a week with about 15 to 20 gallons per tree, ensuring that the water penetrates the soil to a depth of 6 inches. During periods of drought or extremely hot weather, water twice weekly. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases. During winter, reduce watering as the tree requires less moisture while dormant.
LightEgremont Russet apple trees thrive in full sun, meaning they should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The ideal spot is an open area away from buildings or shade trees. Periods of partial shade, especially in the hottest part of the day, can be beneficial in areas with very intense sunlight.
TemperatureEgremont Russet apple trees are hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures; however, they flourish in temperatures between 32°F and 75°F. They can survive winter temperatures down to -20°F, but blossoms can be damaged by late frosts in spring above 28°F. Optimum growth and fruit production occur in areas where the temperature does not exceed 90°F during the growing season.
PruningPruning an Egremont Russet apple tree improves light penetration, increases air circulation, and encourages healthy growth. Prune in late winter when the tree is dormant, removing dead or diseased wood, water sprouts, and any crossing branches. Thin out the canopy to allow light to reach the inner branches. This should be done annually for best results.
CleaningAs needed
SoilApple trees like the 'Egremont Russet' prefer well-draining soil with lots of organic matter. A mix of loam, peat, compost, and sand in balanced proportions can be ideal. The pH should be slightly acidic, around 6.0 to 7.0, for optimal growth. Regular testing and amendments can help maintain the appropriate pH and soil fertility levels for healthy trees.
Repotting'Egremont Russet' apple trees, when grown in containers, should be repotted every 2-3 years. It's important to refresh the soil and increase pot size as the tree's root system expands. Ideally, repotting is done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
Humidity & Misting'Egremont Russet' apple trees are adaptable to a range of outdoor humidity levels but fare best with moderate atmospheric moisture. Average ambient humidity is generally sufficient as these trees are primarily grown outdoors where they adapt to natural conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suitable for indoor growing; needs sunlight, air.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, space accordingly.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Egremont Russet apple tree begins its life as a dormant seed which, under the right conditions of warmth and moisture, germinates and produces a small seedling. This seedling grows into a young tree through a juvenile phase marked by vegetative growth, establishing root systems and foliage but not yet bearing fruit. After a few years, typically between 3 to 5, the tree reaches maturity and enters the reproductive phase, where it blossoms in spring, producing flowers that, with the help of pollinators, develop into fruit. The apples mature through the summer, with the Egremont Russet typically ready to harvest in the fall. After fruiting, the tree enters a period of dormancy during the winter months to conserve energy. This cycle of flowering, fruiting, and dormancy continues annually as long as the tree remains healthy and is properly cared for, with a potential lifespan of several decades.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
The most popular method of propagating the Egremont Russet apple tree, which is a variety of Malus domestica, is through grafting. Grafting involves splicing a stem with leaf buds from the Egremont Russet onto the rootstock of another apple variety that has desirable root characteristics, such as disease resistance or climate suitability. This is typically done during the dormant season, which is late winter or early spring. This method ensures that the new trees are true to the parent variety, as they will bear the same quality and type of fruit as the Egremont Russet. The scion wood, which is the cutting from the Egremont Russet, should be healthy and free from any pests or diseases. The cut on both the scion and the rootstock must be made at a compatible angle so that the cambium layers can match and fuse together, a process that is secured with grafting tape or a similar material until the graft has taken hold. Grafting is considered a more advanced propagation technique and may require some practice to perfect.
