Apple Malus domestica 'Winston' (D)
ABOUT
The apple tree known as 'Winston' is a deciduous plant, meaning it sheds its leaves annually. Its leaves are typically green, with a simple and broad shape that characterizes many apple varieties. The seasonal change in foliage color is a spectacle of nature, with leaves turning vibrant hues before falling off in autumn. Flowers bloom in spring, providing a captivating display of colors. The blossoms are generally white or pale pink, and their arrangement is in clusters, which adds to the ornamental value of the tree. These flowers not only contribute to the tree's aesthetic appeal but also play a crucial role in the pollination process, leading to fruit development. The fruits of 'Winston' apple trees are the main attraction, boasting a rounded shape. The colors of these apples can range from green to red, often with a combination of both, creating a sunset blush on parts of the fruit's skin. The surface of the apple is smooth with a variable amount of shine, and it may sometimes feature small, pale dots known as lenticels which are typical on apple skin. The apple's flesh inside is firm and can range from white to cream in color. It is known for its crisp texture and a balance of sweetness and tartness, which is highly sought after for both fresh eating and culinary uses. The apple tree itself is adorned with dark brown, woody branches that spread outwards, forming a structure that supports both the weight of the fruits and the seasonal foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Winston Apple
Common names
Malus domestica 'Winston'
ToxicityTo humans
The Malus domestica 'Winston', commonly known as apple, is not toxic to humans. The fruit is widely consumed with no adverse effects. However, the seeds inside the apple contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when metabolized. Ingesting large quantities of apple seeds can potentially lead to cyanide poisoning, with symptoms including headache, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, vomiting, and potentially more severe conditions such as respiratory failure and cardiac arrest in extreme cases. However, accidental consumption of small numbers of apple seeds is unlikely to cause harm due to the low concentration of amygdalin in individual seeds.
To pets
Apple, the common name for Malus domestica 'Winston', is generally safe for pets to consume, particularly the flesh of the fruit. However, like in humans, the seeds contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when digested. Small amounts of seeds are unlikely to cause harm, but if a pet ingests a large number of seeds, it could potentially lead to cyanide poisoning. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include difficulty breathing, panting, shock, dilated pupils, and in severe cases, collapse or seizures. It's important to keep apple cores and seeds away from pets and only offer them the flesh of the apple to prevent any risk of poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
12-15 feet (3.6-4.6 meters)
Spread
10-14 feet (3-4.2 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Edible Fruit: The Malus domestica 'Winston' produces apples which can be consumed fresh, cooked, or used for making cider.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With attractive blossoms in spring and fruit in autumn, it enhances the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: Flowers provide nectar and pollen which attract bees and other pollinating insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Shade Provision: As a tree, it can offer shade in gardens and outdoor spaces, making them more comfortable during sunny days.
- Carbon Sequestration: Like all trees, it helps to capture carbon dioxide from the air, thereby contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases.
- Wildlife Support: The tree can provide habitat and food for various bird and insect species, contributing to biodiversity.
- Educational Use: Can be used as a tool for educational purposes to teach about plant biology, pollination, and fruit development.
- Local Climate Moderation: Trees can help moderate local temperatures by providing evaporative cooling and reducing heat build-up in urban areas.
- Soil Improvement: Leaf litter and dropped fruit can decompose to improve soil quality and fertility over time.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Other uses
- Natural Dye: The skin of the apple can be used to create natural dye for fabrics, giving a range of colors from yellows to browns depending on mordants used.
- Photography: The juice of apples can be used as a component in alternative photography processes such as anthotype, where the natural pigments act as photosensitive material.
- Insect Trap: Slices or juice from apples can be used to attract and trap flying insects like fruit flies.
- Furniture Polish: Apple cider vinegar, made from apples, can be used to clean and polish wood furniture.
- Leather Cleaner: Diluted apple cider vinegar can also be effective for cleaning leather goods without damaging the material.
- Plant Growth Stimulant: The natural hormones in apples, especially when decomposing, can stimulate the growth of other plants when used in compost or as a mulch.
- Grafting Stock: The apple tree itself can be used as rootstock for grafting other apple varieties or related species to create new hybrids or to improve hardiness.
- Crafting Material: Dried apple slices or small twigs from apple trees can be used in various crafting activities such as wreath making or as decorative accents.
- Potpourri Ingredient: Dried apple slices and peel can be mixed with spices to create a natural potpourri that adds a pleasant fragrance to a room.
- Animal Feed: Unwanted or excess apples can be used as a food source for livestock like pigs, or even deer in controlled environments.
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: Apples have often been associated with knowledge, learning, and the quest for wisdom, possibly tracing back to the story of Adam and Eve where the apple represented the fruit of knowledge.
- Youth and Beauty: Due to their fresh appearance and association with healthy living, apples symbolize youthfulness and beauty.
- Fertility: Apples can signify abundance and fertility, as apple trees are known for their prolific fruit production.
- Love and Desire: In many cultures, apples are a symbol of love and desire, often featured in love rituals and mythology.
- Prosperity and Wealth: An apple's abundant seeds and growth habit can reflect prospects of prosperity and material wealth.
- Peace and Harmony: Presenting an apple or sharing one can be seen as an act of peace or resolution, symbolizing a wish for harmony.
WaterApple trees require deep watering to ensure the roots receive adequate moisture, especially during the growing season. The 'Winston' apple should be watered once a week with about 5 gallons of water. However, it is important to adjust watering based on rainfall; after heavy rain, you may skip a watering session. During the peak of summer, the tree may need more frequent watering if temperatures are particularly high, or if there is a drought. In early fall, begin to reduce watering to help harden off the tree for winter.
LightApple trees, including the 'Winston' variety, thrive in full sunlight. The ideal spot for planting is an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid planting in shaded areas, as this can reduce the tree’s fruit production and overall health.
TemperatureThe 'Winston' apple tree grows best in a temperate climate. It can withstand winter temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit and summer temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperature range for this apple variety is between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal fruit development.
PruningPruning the 'Winston' apple tree is essential for maintaining tree health, encouraging fruit production, and facilitating light penetration. Prune during the dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Thin out crowded branches and remove damaged or diseased wood. Annual pruning helps sustain the tree’s structure and vigor.
CleaningNot needed
SoilApple trees like 'Winston' prefer well-drained, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The best soil mix can be created by amending native soil with compost and aged manure to improve fertility and drainage. Mulching around the base of the tree also helps to regulate soil moisture and temperature.
RepottingApple trees such as 'Winston' are typically not repotted as they are grown in the ground. However, if grown in containers, young trees may need repotting every 2-3 years into larger pots until they are planted out in a permanent location.
Humidity & MistingApple trees like the 'Winston' variety do not require specific humidity levels, but they do best in an outdoor environment where the humidity is natural and not controlled. They are adaptable to a wide range of outdoor humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow 'Winston' apples in large pots, with ample light, and prune to manage size.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil; water and prune as necessary.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe 'Winston' apple tree (Malus domestica 'Winston'), like other apple trees, begins its life cycle as a seed, which after stratification germinates in spring when soil temperatures rise and moisture is sufficient. The seedling phase involves the establishment of roots and initial stem growth; this can take several years before the tree becomes strong enough to support fruit production. As the tree enters the juvenile phase, it develops a more robust root system, trunk, and branching structure, during which time pruning and training shape the tree's eventual form. Following the juvenile phase, the tree reaches maturity and begins to flower annually in the spring, with blossoms pollinated by bees leading to fruit set. Apples develop throughout the summer and are typically harvested in late summer to fall, depending on the climate and variety. Once a year's harvest is complete, the tree enters a dormant phase in the winter to conserve energy and prepare for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
The most popular method of propagating the 'Winston' apple, a cultivar of Malus domestica, is by grafting, which is usually done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Grafting involves taking a scion, which is a cutting from a mature plant with several buds, and attaching it to a rootstock, which is a young apple tree or a root system that has been grown specifically for this purpose. The scion is chosen for its fruit characteristics while the rootstock is selected for its adaptability to the local environment, disease resistance, and control of the tree's eventual size. The two pieces are cut at complementary angles, bound together with grafting tape or wax, and then the joint is kept moist until the scion has successfully taken to the rootstock, a process that may take several weeks. This technique allows for the precise reproduction of the 'Winston' variety's desirable traits.
