Laxton's Epicure Apple Malus domestica 'Laxton's Epicure' (D)
ABOUT
Laxton's Epicure is a variety of apple widely valued for its culinary attributes. It boasts a traditional apple tree structure with a central lead branch and a symmetrical canopy of spreading branches. The leaves are a vibrant green and possess a classic ovate shape with slightly serrated edges. They emerge in the spring, providing a lush backdrop for the tree's blossoms. The flowers of Laxton's Epicure are particularly striking, predominantly white with hints of soft pink. These blossom clusters appear in spring, exuding a subtle fragrance, and attract pollinators such as bees. These blossoms eventually give way to the fruit for which the tree is cultivated. The apples themselves are the stars of the show, with a pleasing round shape and a skin that blends red and yellow hues, creating an attractive dappled appearance. The flesh inside is cream-colored, known for its crisp texture and a balanced flavor that combines sweetness with a hint of acidity—a trait much sought after by apple connoisseurs. Over the seasons, the tree changes in appearance. In autumn, the leaves may turn shades of yellow or red before falling, and the ripe apples hang prominently on the branches, ready for harvest. In winter, the tree's silhouette stands bare, showcasing the structure of its branches against the cold sky, waiting for spring to arrive and restart the cycle of growth.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Laxton's Epicure Apple
Common names
Malus domestica 'Laxton's Epicure'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question is more commonly known as the apple tree. Typically, apple trees, including the 'Laxton's Epicure' cultivar, produce fruit that is safe for human consumption. However, the seeds within the apples contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when digested. Consuming an extremely large quantity of apple seeds could potentially lead to cyanide poisoning. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include headache, confusion, dizziness, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, can result in cardiac arrest and death. The risk is generally low, as a person would have to chew and consume a very high number of apple seeds to experience toxicity. Eating the fruit flesh of the apple is safe and poses no toxic risk to humans.
To pets
The apple tree is generally considered to be safe for pets, particularly the flesh of the apple that is commonly eaten by humans. However, just like with humans, the seeds of the apple contain amygdalin, which can be toxic if ingested in large quantities as it can release cyanide. If a pet consumes a large quantity of apple seeds, they could potentially experience cyanide poisoning, with symptoms such as drooling, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and shock. In severe cases, it can be fatal. Given the low concentration of amygdalin in the seeds, the pet would need to consume a significantly large number of seeds to be at risk. Pet owners should therefore provide their pets with apple flesh only and ensure that the core and seeds are disposed of securely to prevent accidental ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
12-15 feet (3.6-4.5 meters)
Spread
12-15 feet (3.6-4.5 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5-8
Native area
Eurasia
Benefits
General Benefits- Provides Fresh Fruit: Produces delicious apples that can be eaten fresh, baked into desserts, or made into sauces.
- Enhances Garden Aesthetics: Adds visual appeal to gardens with its blossoms in spring and fruit in late summer to fall.
- Attracts Pollinators: Blossoms attract bees and other pollinators that are beneficial for the ecosystem.
- Shade Provision: Offers shade in gardens and outdoor spaces once mature enough to have a sizable canopy.
- Improves Soil Health: Falling leaves decompose to enrich the soil with organic matter.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides year-round interest with changing foliage, flowers, and fruit through the seasons.
- Educational Opportunities: Can be used to teach about plant life cycles, pollination, and horticulture.
- Local Food Source: Encourages local food production and can reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transport.
- Culinary Versatility: Apples can be used in a wide range of culinary applications, from sweet to savory dishes.
- Recreational Activities: Can be used for recreational purposes like apple picking, a popular family activity.
- Wildlife Habitat: Can serve as a habitat and food source for various wildlife, including birds and insects.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cooking: The fruit of the apple tree can be used in a variety of recipes, from pies and tarts to sauces and ciders.
- Photography: Apple branches can be used as props or backgrounds in still life photography, offering a natural and rustic look.
- Woodwork: Apple wood is valued for its density and can be used to make small wooden items or for woodturning projects.
- Dyeing: The bark and leaves can be boiled to create a natural dye for fabrics or yarn.
- Smoking Food: Apple wood chips are commonly used for smoking meats, imparting a sweet, fruity flavor to the smoked foods.
- Educational Tools: Apple trees can be used in schools or educational programs to teach children about plant growth, pollination, and fruit development.
- Decoration: Dried apple slices can be used to create ornaments, wreath decorations, or potpourri.
- Wildlife Habitat: Apple trees provide food and shelter for various birds and insects, supporting biodiversity in your garden.
- Printing: Apple leaves can be used in the art of nature printing, where they are inked and pressed onto paper to create a detailed print.
- Crafts: Small branches and twigs from apple trees can be fashioned into natural craft materials for making wreaths, picture frames or other rustic decor items.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe apple tree is not commonly used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe apple tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Knowledge: The Malus domestica, commonly known as the apple, often symbolizes knowledge, as illustrated in the biblical story of Adam and Eve where the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge is often depicted as an apple.
- Temptation: Similarly, due to the same biblical tale, apples can represent temptation and the fall from innocence.
- Love and Fertility: In Greek and Roman mythology, apples are associated with love and beauty, often linked to goddesses like Aphrodite. They also signify fertility.
- Youthfulness: The apple's connection to health - as in the saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" - contributes to its symbolism of youth and vitality.
- Immortality: In Norse mythology, apples are believed to keep the gods youthful, thereby symbolizing immortality and eternal life.
WaterThe apple tree, Malus domestica 'Laxton's Epicure', should be watered deeply rather than frequently, ensuring that the water reaches the tree's entire root system. Typically, young trees need about 5 to 10 gallons per week, especially during dry spells. Mature trees may require up to 15 gallons every two weeks, but this may vary depending on the weather and soil conditions. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot, and the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering sessions. During the growing season, consistent watering is crucial for fruit development, but reduce frequency as the tree goes into dormancy.
LightApple tree, Malus domestica 'Laxton's Epicure', thrives best in full sun. The ideal spot for the tree is an area that receives direct sunlight for at least six to eight hours per day. Ample sunlight is crucial for the health of the tree and for the development of fruit.
TemperatureApple tree, Malus domestica 'Laxton's Epicure', grows well in a range of temperatures but prefers a moderate climate. The trees can tolerate winter temperatures as low as -20°F but are susceptible to frost damage during bloom time in early spring. Ideally, apple trees flourish when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 75°F. They need a period of winter chill, with temperatures under 45°F, to break dormancy and promote flowering and fruit set.
PruningPruning the apple tree, Malus domestica 'Laxton's Epicure', is essential to remove dead or diseased wood and to shape the tree for better sunlight exposure and air circulation, which are vital for fruit production and tree health. Pruning should take place during the tree's dormancy in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any crossing branches or those that grow downward. Thinning the canopy helps to produce larger and better-quality fruit. Prune annually to maintain the desired tree form and to stimulate the growth of new fruiting wood.
CleaningAs needed
SoilApple trees, including 'Laxton's Epicure', thrive in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix composed of equal parts garden soil, compost, and aged manure supports healthy growth.
RepottingApple trees like 'Laxton's Epicure' do not require frequent repotting and are usually planted in the ground where they can grow without the need for repotting.
Humidity & MistingLike other apple varieties, 'Laxton's Epicure' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and typically thrives in the ambient outdoor humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal to grow apple trees like 'Laxton's Epicure' indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and provide regular care.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the 'Laxton's Epicure' apple tree begins with seed germination, which occurs under favorable conditions of warmth, moisture, and light. Following germination, the seedling establishes itself, growing roots, stem, and leaves, entering a phase of vegetative growth. As the tree matures, it transitions from vegetative growth to reproductive maturity, developing flower buds that will bloom in the spring. After pollination, typically by bees, the flowers develop into fruits; the apples of 'Laxton's Epicure' grow and ripen through the summer and are typically harvested in the fall. Upon reaching maturity, the tree can produce fruit annually for many years, during which it will undergo regular cycles of dormancy in the winter and active growth in the spring and summer. The tree's life cycle can conclude either with senescence over time or premature death due to environmental stresses, disease, or other external factors.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The most popular method for propagating the apple tree variety 'Laxton's Epicure' is by grafting, particularly during the dormant season which typically ranges from late winter to early spring. In this process, a cutting or 'scion' from a 'Laxton's Epicure' is joined to a compatible rootstock that provides the root system for the new tree. The scion wood, which is typically around 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long and contains a few buds, is cut from a healthy 'Laxton's Epicure' tree and is then carefully attached to the rootstock using a grafting method such as the whip and tongue or cleft graft. The grafting site is wrapped and sealed to keep out disease and maintain moisture while the graft heals. Once the graft union is successful, the young tree will possess the desired characteristics of 'Laxton's Epicure' including fruit quality and disease resistance, as provided by the chosen rootstock.
