Limelight Apple Malus domestica 'Limelight' (D)
ABOUT
The 'Limelight' apple tree is a cultivar known for its unique and attractive fruit. The apples produced by this tree are distinguished by their vivid green skin which often has a subtle yellow background as the fruit matures. This bright and fresh coloring is accompanied by a pleasant taste that is both sweet and tart, offering a delightful flavor combination much appreciated by apple enthusiasts. The leaves of the 'Limelight' apple tree are typical of apple trees, displaying a lush green color that provides a lovely contrast to the bright apples. In spring, the tree is adorned with blossoms that are generally white with pink undertones, adding a charming display to gardens and orchards before the fruit sets. The attractive appearance of the 'Limelight' apple makes it not only a favorite for eating fresh but also for adding a pop of color to fruit bowls and culinary presentations. While it's common for apple trees to bear fruit, the 'Limelight' is particularly noted for the distinctive green hue of its apples, standing out amongst other varieties that are often red, yellow, or a mix of the two.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Limelight Apple
Common names
Malus domestica 'Limelight'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question is an apple tree, specifically the 'Limelight' variety. Apple trees are generally not toxic to humans; in fact, the fruit is widely consumed. However, it is important to note that the seeds of apples contain amygdalin, a compound that can release cyanide when digested. Consuming a large number of apple seeds could potentially lead to cyanide poisoning, with symptoms that include headache, confusion, agitation, difficulty breathing, and potentially even coma or death. It is rare for people to ingest enough apple seeds to experience these symptoms since they are protected by a hard seed coating that makes them less likely to release cyanide unless chewed or ground.
To pets
The apple tree 'Limelight' is generally considered safe for pets as well when it comes to the fruit's flesh. However, as with humans, the seeds contain amygdalin, which can lead to cyanide poisoning if consumed in significant quantities. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning in pets can include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, and in severe cases, even death. Therefore, while pets can eat the flesh of apples, care should be taken to remove the seeds before giving them to pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
12-15 feet (3.7-4.6 meters)
Spread
10-12 feet (3-3.7 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its attractive blossoms and foliage.
- Fruit Production: Produces edible apples that can be consumed fresh or utilized in various culinary applications.
- Pollinator Attraction: Blossoms attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for the ecosystem.
- Shade Provision: Can provide shade in garden spaces, creating a cooler microclimate during warmer months.
- Habitat Creation: Offers shelter and food resources for various wildlife species, promoting biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round interest with changing foliage, blossoms, and fruit throughout the seasons.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: The Limelight apple tree, with its attractive fruits and flowers, can be used as a scenic backdrop for outdoor photography.
- Woodworking Material: The wood of the apple tree is sometimes used in small woodworking projects like crafting utensils or decorative items.
- Dye Production: The bark and leaves of the apple tree can be used in natural dye production for textiles.
- Teaching Resource: The tree can serve as an educational tool in schools or botanical gardens for lessons on plant growth, fruit development, and horticulture.
- Holiday Decorations: The branches and fruits can be used to make natural holiday wreaths and festive centerpieces.
- Culinary Workshops: The tree can be used in culinary workshops teaching about the use of apples in cooking and baking from tree to table.
- Sound Insulation: Thick hedges of apple trees can help reduce noise pollution in suburban areas.
- Wildlife Habitat: These trees provide shelter and a food source for birds and beneficial insects in the garden ecosystem.
- Floral Arrangements: Limelight apple branches, with their showy blossoms, can be used in floral arrangements, especially in spring.
- Soil Improvement: Fallen leaves and decomposed organic matter from the apple tree enrich the soil and improve its structure.
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: This plant, commonly known as 'Apple', is often associated with knowledge and wisdom due to the biblical story of Adam and Eve where the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge is commonly depicted as an apple.
- Temptation and Sin: Also stemming from the same biblical story, apples have been a symbol of temptation and sin.
- Love and Fertility: In Greek and Norse mythology, apples were associated with love and fertility, and were often given as gifts to express romantic interest.
- Youthfulness and Immortality: The Norse gods ate apples for eternal youth, while in Greek mythology, apples were considered to grant immortality to those who ate them.
- Prosperity and Abundance: An apple tree laden with fruit is a symbol of bounty and prosperity, reflecting its generous yield and the richness of harvest.
- Peace and Harmony: In some cultures, the apple represents peace and the resolution of conflict, as the fruit is shared to mend relationships.
WaterFor an apple tree like Malus domestica 'Limelight', also known as 'Limelight' apple, it's important to water the tree deeply once a week during the growing season if there is no significant rainfall. The amount of water needed can range from 5 to 15 gallons per week depending on the tree's size and the weather conditions. During the winter months when the tree is dormant, watering can be reduced. Younger trees require more frequent watering until they are established. It's crucial to avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Light'Limelight' apple trees flourish best in full sun, meaning they should receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for planting a 'Limelight' apple tree is an open area away from tall buildings or other trees that might cast shade on it. Proper sun exposure is essential for the development of fruit and overall health of the tree.
Temperature'Limelight' apple trees can tolerate a range of temperature conditions but grow best when the average temperature is between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. They need chill hours, typically between 32 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit, during the winter to break dormancy and ensure proper flowering and fruit set in the spring. These trees can survive temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit but it is important to protect them from extreme cold.
PruningPruning 'Limelight' apple trees is essential for maintaining health, encouraging fruit production, and structuring the tree. Prune during late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and thin out dense areas to allow sunlight and air circulation. Pruning should also focus on creating strong scaffold branches and keeping the tree's height manageable for fruit harvest.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor the ‘Limelight’ apple tree, a well-draining loamy soil is best, amended with organic matter such as compost. The ideal soil pH for this apple variety should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 6.0 and 7.0. It's crucial to ensure the soil is fertile and retains moisture without becoming waterlogged.
RepottingThe 'Limelight' apple tree doesn’t typically require frequent repotting as it's grown outdoors directly in the ground. Young trees may need transplanting every couple of years as they grow, but mature trees should not need repotting. The focus should instead be on regular pruning to maintain size and health.
Humidity & MistingThe 'Limelight' apple tree thrives in outdoor conditions where the humidity is naturally regulated by the environment. It doesn't require specific humidity levels, but it does best in areas where the average humidity aligns with temperate climates typical of apple-growing regions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Growing ‘Limelight’ apples indoors isn't practical due to their size.
Outdoor
Plant in a sunny spot, well-draining soil, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleMalus domestica 'Limelight', commonly known as the 'Limelight' apple tree, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when planted, germinates and grows into a seedling. After a period of growth, the seedling develops into a young tree and eventually matures into a fruit-bearing adult. Each spring, the adult apple tree produces blossoms that are pollinated by insects, leading to the development of apples through the summer months. By early to mid-fall, the 'Limelight' apples reach maturity and are harvested. Once the fruit is picked, the tree enters a dormant phase during the colder winter months. With the return of warmer spring weather, the cycle starts anew with fresh blossoming, ensuring the continuation of the species.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
The most popular method for propagating 'Limelight' apple trees, botanically known as Malus domestica 'Limelight', is grafting onto rootstocks. Typically performed in late winter or early spring before the buds begin to swell, scion wood from a healthy 'Limelight' apple tree is cut into lengths of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters). This scion should have at least two to three buds. The scion wood is then carefully grafted onto a chosen rootstock, usually of a dwarf or semi-dwarf variety to control the mature size of the tree. Various grafting techniques such as whip-and-tongue or cleft graft can be utilized, but they all involve creating a snug connection between the scion and rootstock to encourage the tissues to fuse. After grafting, the union is sealed with grafting tape or wax to protect it from pests and diseases and to maintain the necessary humidity for successful grafting. This method is widely chosen for it ensures the propagation of true-to-type 'Limelight' apples and combines the desired fruiting qualities of the 'Limelight' with the advantageous root characteristics such as disease resistance and size control offered by the rootstock.
