Jupiter Apple Malus domestica 'Jupiter' (PBR) (D)
ABOUT
The Malus domestica 'Jupiter' (PBR) (D), commonly known as an apple tree, is cherished for its fruit-bearing profile and seasonal beauty. The tree puts on a stunning display each year starting with the spring blossoms, which are an enchanting shade of soft pink that fade to white as they mature. These flowers are not only visually delightful but also exude a subtle, sweet fragrance. Following the blooming period, the foliage emerges, consisting of oval leaves that come in a cheery green hue, adding a vibrant canopy of shade throughout the growing season. As summer progresses, the hallmark feature of this apple tree, its fruit, begins to develop. The apples of the 'Jupiter' variety boast a striking appearance, with skins that can range from a sunny yellow background to a rich, warm red flush. Sometimes, the red blush covers much of the apple's surface, punctuated by faint stripes that add to the beauty of the fruit. The fruit flesh inside is a crisp white, known for being both juicy and sweet with a pleasing, slightly sharp taste that makes them excellent for eating fresh or using in cooking and baking. The robust branches of the apple tree support the weight of the apples as they grow to maturity, offering a picturesque scene reminiscent of traditional orchards. While the apple tree itself has an aesthetically pleasing structure, it's the changing colors through the seasons, with blossoms in spring and fruit in late summer up to autumn, that make this tree a delightful spectacle in any garden space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Jupiter Apple
Common names
Malus domestica 'Jupiter'.
ToxicityTo humans
Malus domestica, commonly known as the apple tree, is not generally considered toxic to humans. The fruit of the apple tree is widely consumed across the world with no adverse effects. However, the seeds within the apple core contain amygdalin, which can release small amounts of cyanide when digested. It would require a significant ingestion of apple seeds to reach a level of toxicity that would be harmful to a human. In such rare cases, symptoms of cyanide poisoning may include headache, confusion, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and in extreme cases, can lead to coma or death. Nevertheless, such incidents are very uncommon as the body can detoxify small amounts of cyanide, and the seeds are not typically consumed in large quantities.
To pets
Malus domestica, commonly known as the apple tree, has parts that can be toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats. The seeds, leaves, and stems of apple trees contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when digested. If a pet ingests a large amount of seeds, leaves, or stems, cyanide poisoning could potentially occur. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning in pets can include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, and shock. In severe cases, it may lead to collapse and even death. However, the flesh of the apple is generally safe for pets to eat in moderation, provided it is served without the core and seeds.
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
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Edible Fruits: Produces tasty apples that can be eaten fresh, baked, or used in cooking and cider-making.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Offers ornamental value with its blossoms in spring and fruit in late summer to fall.
- Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees and other pollinators, which are essential for the production of many other fruits and vegetables.
- Shade Provider: Can be used to create shaded areas in gardens, reducing local temperature and providing relief on hot days.
- Carbon Sequestration: As with all trees, it absorbs carbon dioxide, which helps mitigate climate change impacts.
- Soil Improvement: Falling leaves and decaying fruit can enrich the soil with organic matter.
- Habitat Creation: A mature tree can provide shelter and food for a variety of wildlife, including birds and insects.
- Educational Opportunities: Can be used in educational settings, teaching about plant life cycles, horticulture, and food production.
- Community Incentive: Encourages community orchard projects and local food initiatives.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round interest from the budding leaves in spring, to full leaf in summer, fruit in fall, and bare branches in winter.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Macerated apple wood from Malus domestica can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics, giving them a subtle, warm color.
- Dried apple peels can be added to homemade potpourri mixtures for a pleasant fragrance and aesthetic appeal.
- The wood from apple trees can be whittled into small trinkets or tools, showcasing its fine grain and workability.
- Apple branches can be fashioned into rustic wreaths or frameworks for floral arrangements, adding a natural touch to decorations.
- Fallen apple leaves can be used to create leaf mold, which is an excellent soil conditioner for gardens.
- Crushed apple seeds, while typically avoided due to their cyanide content, can be used in controlled quantities as a natural insect repellent.
- When dried and pressed, apple blossoms can be used in craft projects such as making bookmarks or decorative paper.
- Spent apple cider mash, left after extracting juice, can be repurposed as compost or as feed for farm animals.
- Apple tree stumps can be carved out to function as unique and attractive planters for other small plants or flowers.
- The natural pectin found in apples can be extracted and used as a plant-based gelling agent in homemade jams and jellies.
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 Affection: Given that apples are often associated with the goddess of love, Aphrodite, Malus domestica (commonly known as apple tree) symbolizes love and affection.
- Knowledge and Wisdom: In many cultures, apples and apple trees are connected to knowledge and enlightenment, stemming from the Biblical story of Adam and Eve.
- Eternal Life and Immortality: In Norse mythology, apples are seen as granting eternal youth, hence an apple tree can symbolize immortality.
- Peace and Reconciliation: In some traditions, an apple is given as a token of peace, making the apple tree a symbol of reconciliation.
- Prosperity and Abundance: Apple trees are often a symbol of abundance due to the plentiful fruit they bear, which historically has been a sign of prosperity.
- Beauty and Perfection: The symmetrical shape and attractive blossoms of an apple tree may symbolize beauty and the ideal.
WaterThe Apple 'Jupiter' tree requires deep watering once every 7 to 10 days during the growing season, increasing to once every 4 to 7 days during hot, dry periods. Newly planted trees need sufficient moisture to establish roots, so weekly watering of about 5 gallons is recommended for the first couple of growing seasons. It's important to reduce the frequency to every two weeks in late fall before the tree becomes dormant. During winter, watering can usually be stopped unless there are unusually dry conditions. Ensure that the water penetrates deeply into the soil around the root zone rather than just wetting the surface.
LightApple 'Jupiter' trees thrive in full sunlight, meaning they require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. The best spot for planting these apple trees is in a location with southern or western exposure where they can receive ample sunlight throughout the day. Avoid planting them in areas that are shaded by buildings, fences, or other trees to ensure healthy growth and maximum fruit production.
TemperatureApple 'Jupiter' trees are hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures but grow best when the daytime temperature is between 60°F and 75°F. They can survive winter temperatures as low as -20°F once established. However, spring frosts can damage blooms, so ideally, the temperature should remain above freezing during the blooming period.
PruningPruning the Apple 'Jupiter' is vital to remove dead or diseased wood, thin out crowded branches, and shape the tree for optimal growth and fruit production. The best time for heavy pruning is late winter or early spring while the tree is still dormant. Light pruning to remove suckers or water sprouts can be done in the summer. Generally, pruning should be done annually to encourage a good structure and open canopy, which allows light to penetrate and air to circulate, reducing the risk of disease.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe best soil mix for an apple tree (Malus domestica 'Jupiter') is well-draining loam with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. You can mix garden soil, compost, and peat moss to improve structure and fertility.
RepottingApple trees like Malus domestica 'Jupiter' are typically not repotted as they are planted outdoors. However, young trees may be transplanted every few years until they are established in a permanent location.
Humidity & MistingApple trees such as Malus domestica 'Jupiter' are hardy and do well in average outdoor humidity levels; they do not have specific humidity requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suitable for indoor growth; requires outdoor conditions.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, space adequately for air circulation.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Malus domestica 'Jupiter', commonly known as the apple tree, begins with seed germination, provided that stratification requirements are met to break dormancy. Following germination, the seedling goes through a juvenile phase where it establishes its root system and grows its first leaves and stems. As the tree matures, it enters a phase of vegetative growth where it focuses on leaf and branch development, this period can last several years before the tree is capable of flowering. Flowering typically occurs in spring with pollination by insects, leading to the development of fruit, which matures throughout the summer and is typically ready for harvest in late summer to autumn. Once the fruit is harvested or falls naturally, seeds may be dispersed to produce new plants, thus continuing the cycle. Throughout its life, which can span multiple decades, the tree will go through these growth and reproductive cycles annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter
The most popular method of propagating the Jupiter apple tree, scientifically known as Malus domestica 'Jupiter' (PBR) (D), is through grafting. This process typically takes place during late winter or early spring, before the tree starts its active growth. In grafting, a piece of stem with leaf buds, called the scion, is taken from the desired apple variety and attached to the rootstock of another apple variety that has desirable characteristics like disease resistance or hardiness. The scion should be around 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length. After cutting a corresponding notch in the rootstock and fitting the scion into it, the joint is tightly bound and sealed with grafting wax or tape to prevent dehydration and disease. The scion then grows and eventually forms a new tree, which will bear the fruit of the Jupiter apple variety while rooted on a potentially more robust or suitable root system.
