Apple Malus domestica 'Rosemary Russet' (D)
ABOUT
The Rosemary Russet apple tree is known for its attractive appearance characterized by a strong central leader and spreading branches that give it a robust look. The leaves of this tree are medium to dark green, with a lush, matte texture that feels slightly rough to the touch. Come spring, the tree blossoms with beautiful white flowers that have a subtle pink tinge, providing a striking contrast against the greenery and offering a gentle, sweet aroma. As the apple tree matures through the growing season, it starts to produce its signature fruit: the Rosemary Russet apples. These apples have a distinctive russeted skin which is a rough, brown texture that covers the surface â like a russet potato. Underneath this rustic exterior, the skin can have flushes of green and maybe even a hint of golden bronze, shimmering slightly in the sunlight. The apples are typically irregular in shape, adding to their heirloom charm. The flesh of the Rosemary Russet apples is creamy white, sometimes with a tinge of green close to the skin. It's known for being firm and dense with a fine-grained texture that provides a satisfying crunch when bitten into. These apples are also high in both sugars and acidity, which makes for a rich, balanced flavor that is both sweet and tart, perfect for eating fresh or using in a variety of culinary dishes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Rosemary Russet Apple
Common names
Malus domestica 'Rosemary Russet'
ToxicityTo humans
The apple tree, specifically the cultivar 'Rosemary Russet,' is generally not toxic to humans. Apples are widely consumed around the world and are known for their nutritional value. However, the seeds inside the apple contain amygdalin, a compound that can release cyanide when digested. Ingesting a small number of apple seeds is unlikely to cause harm, as the body can detoxify small amounts of cyanide. But consuming a large quantity of apple seeds could potentially lead to cyanide poisoning, which can cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, increased blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and in extreme cases, can lead to coma or death. It's important, therefore, to avoid consuming apple seeds in significant quantities.
To pets
The apple tree is not commonly toxic to pets, and the flesh of the apple is safe for animals like dogs and cats to eat in moderation. However, as with humans, the seeds contain amygdalin and can release cyanide when digested. Pets should not be allowed to eat the core and seeds of apples, as their smaller body sizes mean the seeds could be more harmful to them as compared to humans. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning in pets can include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, and shock. In severe cases, ingestion of apple seeds could be fatal, so it is important to keep apple cores and seeds away from pets.
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
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Nutritional Value: Provides essential vitamins, such as Vitamin C, and dietary fiber.
- Culinary Versatility: Can be used in a wide range of recipes including pies, sauces, and fresh eating.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Offers ornamental value with its attractive blossoms and russeted fruit.
- Wildlife Support: Flowers provide nectar for pollinators, while fruits can feed birds and other wildlife.
- Shade and Shelter: Mature apple trees can offer shade and microhabitat for various creatures.
- Economic Contribution: Apple cultivation supports the agricultural economy through sales of fruits and tree products.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Rosemary Russet apple peels can be used in natural dyeing processes, as the tannins in the skins can provide varying shades of brown and yellow to textiles or paper.
- Dried apple slices from Rosemary Russets can become potpourri components, offering a sweet, fruity aroma and an attractive rustic appeal to a room's decor.
- Fermented Rosemary Russet apple scraps can be utilized in making apple cider vinegar, which has many household uses beyond cooking, such as natural cleaning.
- The wood from Rosemary Russet apple trees can be carved into small objects or used for smoking foods, imparting a subtle fruity flavor to meats and cheeses.
- Rosemary Russet apples can be used as natural stamps for crafting, where cut halves of the apple create interesting shapes and patterns when dipped in paint.
- Fallen leaves from the Rosemary Russet apple tree can be collected and added to compost bins to create nutrient-rich soil for gardening.
- Rosemary Russet apple juice can act as a natural sweetener in homemade beauty products such as face masks or scrubs.
- Grafted branches from the Rosemary Russet apple tree can be used in the propagation of new trees, allowing the cultivation of this specific variety.
- Applewood from pruned branches of the Rosemary Russet tree can be used to create handcrafted items like pens or kitchen utensils, valued for its grain and beauty.
- The dense foliage of Rosemary Russet apple trees can provide habitat or nesting sites for certain bird species, contributing to local biodiversity.
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 desire â The apple (Malus domestica) has often been associated with love, desire, and fertility, possibly tracing back to ancient mythologies where apples featured in love-related contexts.
- Knowledge and wisdom â In various traditions, including the biblical narrative of Adam and Eve, the apple represents knowledge, wisdom, and the pursuit of enlightenment.
- Youthfulness and immortality â Apples are sometimes symbols of eternal youth and longevity, partly owing to the fruit's association with the deities and myths of ancient cultures that promised immortality.
- Prosperity and abundance â As a fruit that is abundant during harvest season, apples can represent physical and spiritual abundance, as well as financial prosperity.
- Peace and resolution â Offering an apple can be seen as an act of peace or the resolution of a conflict, akin to extending an olive branch.
WaterThe apple tree, commonly known as 'Rosemary Russet', requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. It should be watered deeply once a week, providing approximately 5 gallons of water for a young tree and 15-20 gallons for a mature tree. During dry spells or extreme heat, water twice a week. The exact amount may vary depending on the soil type and weather conditions, but the goal is to maintain evenly moist soil without waterlogging. It's crucial to avoid shallow watering, as this encourages shallow root systems that are less drought-tolerant.
LightApple trees, including the 'Rosemary Russet', thrive in full sun. They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, so the best spot is an unobstructed area where they can receive uninterrupted sunlight throughout the day. Avoid planting the tree in shady areas, as insufficient light can lead to poor fruit production and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
TemperatureThe 'Rosemary Russet' apple tree prefers a temperate climate with cold winters and warm summers. It can survive winter temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit but requires a period of dormancy with temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit to produce fruit. The ideal growing temperatures during the growing season range from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which promotes flowering and fruit development.
PruningPruning the 'Rosemary Russet' apple tree is essential for maintaining its health, encouraging fruit production, and shaping the tree. Prune in late winter or early spring when the tree is dormant, removing dead or diseased branches, thinning out crowded areas to increase sunlight penetration, and cutting back limbs to promote a strong structure. Annual pruning is recommended to sustain a productive tree and to prevent overburdening branches with fruit.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRosemary Russet, commonly known as an apple variety, thrives in a well-draining loam-based soil mix with compost enrichment. The ideal pH for this apple tree is between 6.0 and 7.0, which is slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingThe Rosemary Russet apple tree, when grown in a container, should be repotted every 2-3 years to prevent root binding and to replenish soil nutrients.
Humidity & MistingRosemary Russet apple trees are adaptable to a range of humidity conditions but prefer a moderate level, typical of outdoor environments, as excessive humidity can promote fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide full light, and ensure temperature moderation for apples.
Outdoor
Full sun, protect from frost, and prune annually for health.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe 'Rosemary Russet' apple tree (Malus domestica 'Rosemary Russet'), like all apple trees, begins its life cycle with seed germination, provided the seeds have undergone a period of stratification to break dormancy. Upon germination, a seedling emerges and grows into a young sapling, which requires several years to mature into a fruit-bearing tree. The mature tree then enters a cycle of annual growth that starts with bud break in early spring, followed by leaf and flower development. Pollination of the flowers, typically by insects like bees, leads to fruit set. The fruits, or apples, mature over the summer and are typically ready for harvest in late summer to fall. After fruiting, the tree enters a period of dormancy during the winter months, conserving energy for the following spring's growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for the apple tree, specifically the 'Rosemary Russet' cultivar, is by grafting, which is typically done during the dormant season, between late winter and early spring. Grafting involves taking a scion, which is a shoot with desirable variety such as the 'Rosemary Russet', and joining it to a rootstock, which provides the root system for the grafted plant. The scion is cut at an angle to expose a fresh wound surface, typically 2 to 4 inches long (5 to 10 centimeters), which is then matched to a similarly cut surface on the rootstock. These cut surfaces are then bound tightly together, often with grafting tape or a similar material, to promote healing and the formation of a graft union. The grafted plant should be kept moist and in conditions that encourage the union to heal and the scion to begin growing, completing the propagation process once the graft is successful and the new tree begins to grow.
