Apple Malus domestica 'Winter Gem' (D)
ABOUT
The 'Winter Gem' apple tree, as a cultivar of apple trees, presents itself with a branching structure typical of fruit-bearing trees, supporting a lush canopy of leaves. Its leaves exhibit a rich green hue, with an oblong shape and slight serrations on the edges, providing a verdant backdrop to the blossoms and fruit that it bears. During the flowering season, the tree is adorned with attractive clusters of white to pale pink flowers that not only add visual appeal but also invite pollinators to the garden. As the season progresses, the flowers give way to the fruit for which the tree is named: apples. The apples of the 'Winter Gem' showcase a skin that can be a charming blend of reds and greens, with some variability depending on the growing conditions. This attractive skin encloses a crisp and juicy flesh, often white to cream in color, which offers a flavor that balances sweetness with a hint of tartness, making them suitable for a variety of culinary uses. The attractive appearance of the apples makes them a focal point in the garden and a favorite of home orchard enthusiasts. The overall visual appeal of the 'Winter Gem' apple tree is characterized by its seasonal changes, which add dynamism and interest to any garden setting throughout the year.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Winter Gem Apple
Common names
Malus domestica 'Winter Gem'
ToxicityTo humans
Apple 'Winter Gem' (cultivar of Malus domestica) is generally not toxic to humans. The fruit of the apple tree is widely consumed with no adverse effects. However, it's important to note that the seeds of apples contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when digested. Ingesting a small number of apple seeds is unlikely to cause harm due to the low concentration of cyanide, but consuming a large quantity of seeds could potentially lead to cyanide poisoning. Symptoms of mild cyanide poisoning might include headache, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, seizures, loss of consciousness, cardiac arrest, and even death could occur. Therefore, it is generally safe to eat the fruit, but one should avoid consuming a large number of apple seeds.
To pets
Apple 'Winter Gem' (cultivar of Malus domestica) is also generally not toxic to pets. The flesh of the apple is safe for pets like dogs and cats to eat in moderation. However, similar to humans, the seeds contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when chewed and digested. Consuming a large number of seeds can lead to cyanide poisoning in pets. Signs of cyanide poisoning in pets include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, and in extreme cases, collapse, seizures, coma, and even death. Therefore, while the fruit flesh is safe, it is crucial to keep pets away from the seeds and core of the apple.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
12-15 feet (3.6-4.6 meters)
Spread
12-15 feet (3.6-4.6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Offers ornamental value with its attractive blossoms and fruits, enhancing landscape beauty.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides seasonal interest with blossoms in spring and fruit in fall or winter.
- Shade Provider: Can create a shaded area, which can be appreciated during warm months.
- Wildlife Attraction: Attracts beneficial pollinators like bees during its blooming season.
- Local Ecosystem Support: Serves as a food source for various birds and mammals with its fruits.
- Cultural Significance: Connects to various cultural and traditional uses, such as in cooking and festivities.
- Home-grown Produce: Allows for the cultivation of fresh apples, which can be used for various culinary purposes.
- Recreational Gardening: Provides an opportunity for gardening enthusiasts to cultivate and care for fruit-bearing plants.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodworking: Wood from apple trees is valued for small woodworking projects, such as crafting utensils or decorative items, due to its density and fine grain.
- Natural Dyes: Apple leaves and bark can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or crafting projects.
- Potpourri: Dried apple slices, along with the leaves and bark, can contribute a pleasant fragrance to homemade potpourri.
- Photography Prop: Apples can be used as a colorful and rustic prop in still life photography.
- Educational Tool: The apple can be used in school projects or educational settings to illustrate concepts such as growth cycles, pollination, and fruit development.
- Animal Feed: Fallen apples can serve as a supplementary food source for farm animals such as pigs, horses, and sheep.
- Bird Feeder: Halved apples can be put out for birds, especially in winter when food is scarce.
- Fruit Leather: Making fruit leather is another way to utilize the fruit, providing a healthy homemade snack.
- Ink Making: The tannin-rich bark of apple trees can be used to make ink for writing or drawing.
- Cider Vinegar Base: Apples from the tree can be used to make homemade apple cider vinegar, a versatile ingredient in cooking and home remedies.
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 Forbidden Fruit: The apple tree, as Malus domestica is commonly known, has longstanding symbolism of knowledge and temptation, primarily stemming from the Judeo-Christian account of Adam and Eve, where the apple represented the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden.
- Love and Temptation: Apples are often associated with love and sensuality. In Greek and Roman mythology, apples are linked to Aphrodite and Venus, goddesses of love, and the famous story of the Golden Apple of Discord reflects the fruit's role in myth as a symbol of desire and temptation.
- Abundance and Fertility: Because apple trees produce fruit in abundance, they are symbolic of fertility and generosity. In some traditions, they are given as a wish for prosperity and fecundity.
- Peace and Tranquility: Gifting an apple, in some cultures, is seen as a gesture of peace, akin to extending an olive branch. It is an emblem of tranquility and resolution.
- Health and Vitality: The saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" highlights apples as symbols of health and vitality, representing the importance of nourishment and well-being.
WaterThe common name for Malus domestica 'Winter Gem' (D) is the apple tree, specifically the 'Winter Gem' variety. When watering young 'Winter Gem' apple trees, it's important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Typically, this would mean watering once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons per inch of the tree's trunk diameter, measured at knee height. During hot, dry periods, the frequency may increase to twice a week. Mature trees may need less frequent but deeper watering to encourage strong root growth. Always check the soil moisture level to a depth of several inches before watering to avoid overwatering.
LightApple trees, such as the 'Winter Gem', require full sun to produce the best fruit. This means they need to be placed in a spot where they'll receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Avoid planting them in a shaded area, as insufficient sun exposure can lead to poor fruit development and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
TemperatureApple trees like the 'Winter Gem' can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but perform best within a temperature range of 32 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They need a period of winter chill, with temperatures between 32 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit, to break dormancy and ensure proper flowering and fruit set. These trees can survive occasional dips down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit, but extreme cold may damage the tree or reduce the next season's fruit yield.
Pruning'Winter Gem' apple trees require annual pruning to maintain health, encourage fruit production, and ensure sunlight penetration and air circulation within the canopy. The best time to prune is during late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches, and thin out the canopy to allow light into the center of the tree. Prune young trees to establish a strong framework and mature trees to maintain their shape and encourage new fruiting wood.
CleaningAs needed
SoilApple trees like 'Winter Gem' thrive in well-draining loam or sandy loam soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of two-thirds loam and one-third compost or well-rotted manure, with added perlite for drainage, will provide the nutrients and structure they need for healthy growth.
RepottingApple trees such as 'Winter Gem' are typically not repotted but are rather transplanted. They should be planted in the ground where they can grow for many years without the need for repotting. However, if grown in a container, they may need to be repotted every 2-3 years to ensure enough space for root growth.
Humidity & MistingApple trees like 'Winter Gem' are adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and do not require high humidity. Ambient outdoor humidity typical of temperate climates is sufficient for their growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant apple 'Winter Gem' in a large container with ample sunlight.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Winter Gem apple tree (Malus domestica 'Winter Gem') begins with germination, where the seed sprouts roots and a shoot after a period of stratification, which simulates winter conditions. The sapling then grows into a young tree through the vegetative stage, developing a root system, trunk, and branches. As the tree matures, it enters the reproductive stage, flowering each spring with the potential for pollination and fruit set. After pollination, the flowers develop into apples over the summer months, reaching maturity in late summer to autumn, when they are harvested. Following harvest, the tree enters a period of dormancy during the colder winter months. With the return of warmer spring temperatures, the tree awakens from dormancy, completing the annual cycle and ready to flower once more.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The most popular method of propagating 'Winter Gem' apple tree, or Malus domestica 'Winter Gem', is through grafting. This involves taking a cutting or scion from the desired 'Winter Gem' tree and attaching it to a rootstock, usually from a tree with a robust root system and disease resistance characteristics. The best time to graft apple trees is in late winter or early spring before the buds begin to swell. The scion wood should be collected from the 'Winter Gem' while it is still dormant and should have the same diameter as the rootstock, typically between 1/4 inch (about 6 mm) and 1/2 inch (about 13 mm). The scion is then carefully joined to the rootstock by making matching cuts on both pieces and securing them together with grafting tape or wax, ensuring a tight fit to promote successful union. This grafted union must be kept moist until the graft has taken, which can be identified by the growth of new leaves and shoots. Grafting not only reproduces the fruit characteristics of the 'Winter Gem' apple but also brings the advantage of the selected rootstock's attributes.
