Idared apple Malus domestica 'Idared' (D)

Names

• Synonyms

  Idared Apple

• Common names

  Malus pumila 'Idared'

Toxicity

• To humans

  The most common name of Malus domestica 'Idared' is the Idared apple. Apples, including the Idared variety, are not toxic to humans when consumed as the fruit flesh we typically eat. However, the seeds of apples contain amygdalin, a compound that can release small amounts of cyanide when digested. Consuming extremely large quantities of apple seeds could potentially lead to cyanide poisoning, which can cause symptoms such as headache, confusion, anxiety, shortness of breath, and potentially lead to coma and death if left untreated. However, accidental ingestion of small amounts of apple seeds is generally not harmful as the human body can detoxify small amounts of cyanide. Crushing or chewing the seeds increases the risk, but again, one would have to consume an unusually large amount for it to pose a significant health risk.

• To pets

  The most common name of Malus domestica 'Idared' is the Idared apple. Apples, including the Idared variety, are generally safe for pets such as dogs and cats in moderate amounts when the fruit flesh is given without the seeds. Similar to humans, the seeds contain amygdalin, which can be toxic because it can release cyanide when digested. Ingestion of apple seeds in large quantities can lead to cyanide poisoning in pets, with symptoms including dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, and in severe cases, coma or death. It is also important to remove the core and seeds before giving apples to pets to prevent choking hazards. Small quantities of apple seeds are unlikely to cause harm, but pets should not be encouraged to eat them, and apples should always be given as a treat in moderation.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  12-15 feet (3.7-4.6 meters)

• Spread

  10-14 feet (3-4.3 meters)

• Plant type

  Tree

• Hardiness zones

  4

• Native area

  Asia

General Benefits

• High-Yield Fruit Production: Produces abundant crops of apples, highly appreciated for their balanced sweet-tart flavor, making it a popular choice for agriculture.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Offers seasonal beauty with spring blossoms and autumn fruits, enhancing garden landscapes and orchards.
• Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity and the health of surrounding ecosystems.
• Culinary Versatility: The apples are versatile in the kitchen, suitable for eating fresh, baking, and making sauces and ciders.
• Economic Value: A significant crop for the fruit industry, contributing to local and global economies through sales and associated products.
• Shade and Shelter: As a deciduous tree, it provides shade in summer and allows sunlight through in winter, offering comfortable outdoor spaces.
• Craft Uses: Wood can be used for crafting and in the production of small wooden items, giving it additional utility beyond fruit production.
• Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and food for various animals, including birds and small mammals, which feed on the fallen fruits and seek refuge in the foliage.

Medical Properties

• Rich in antioxidants: The fruit is known to contain antioxidants, such as vitamin C and phytochemicals, which can help neutralize free radicals in the body.
• Digestive health: The fiber content in the fruit can aid in digestion and help prevent constipation.
• Cardiovascular health: Regular consumption of the fruit may contribute to a reduced risk of heart disease due to its fiber, vitamin C, and polyphenol content.
• Blood sugar regulation: The fiber in the fruit slows down the digestion and absorption of sugars, helping to regulate blood sugar levels.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Apple wood chips can be used for smoking food, imparting a sweet, fruity flavor that is especially good with pork and poultry.
• When pruned, the branches of the apple tree can be repurposed into walking sticks, garden trellises, or rustic home decor items.
• Apple trees can provide habitat and food for wildlife, including birds and beneficial insects, helping to maintain ecosystem balance.
• Fermented apple scraps can be added to compost as a natural activator to help speed up the decomposition process.
• Apple tree wood is ideal for woodworking projects, known for its fine grain and good machining qualities.
• Dried apple slices can be used as natural decorations in wreaths, garlands, or potpourri, adding a touch of autumnal charm.
• Apple seed oil, extracted from the seeds, can be used in the cosmetics industry as an emollient or for its hydrating properties.
• Dried apples can be ground into a fine powder and used as a natural sweetener or flavoring agent in baking and cooking.
• Apples can be used in natural dyeing processes, with the bark, leaves, and fruit creating varying shades on fabrics and yarns.
• Apple pomace, the solid remains after juicing, can serve as livestock feed, providing a nutritious supplement for cows, pigs, and chickens.

Feng Shui

The Apple tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Apple tree is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Knowledge and Wisdom: As the Idared is a cultivar of apples, it shares the apple's association with knowledge and wisdom, hearkening back to the story of Adam and Eve and the "forbidden fruit" that supposedly imparted knowledge of good and evil.
• Love and Desire: Apples have also commonly been seen as symbols of love and desire. In Greek and Roman mythology, apples are often connected to love and beauty, as seen in the story of Paris awarding Aphrodite a golden apple.
• Fertility and Abundance: In many traditions, apples signify fertility due to their abundant fruit and the many seeds within each apple, which represent potential for new growth.
• Eternal Life: Norse mythology presents apples as providing eternal youth, as the gods rely on apples to keep them young—a symbol of eternal life and rejuvenation.
• Health and Well-being: The saying "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" reflects the apple's association with health, including the health benefits of its vitamins and fiber content.