Worcester Pearmain Apple Malus domestica 'Worcester Pearmain' (D)

Names

• Synonyms

  Worcester Pearmain Apple, Pearmain, Worcester.

• Common names

  Malus domestica 'Worcester Pearmain'

Toxicity

• To humans

  The plant in question, commonly known as the apple tree, is not considered toxic to humans when it comes to the fruit they produce. However, the seeds of the apple contain amygdalin, a compound that can release cyanide when ingested in large quantities. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include headache, confusion, dizziness, shortness of breath, and convulsions. Ingesting a few apple seeds is unlikely to cause harm due to the small amount of amygdalin they contain, but consuming large quantities of crushed or chewed seeds could potentially lead to cyanide poisoning. The rest of the plant, including leaves and stems, is not commonly consumed and is generally not considered poisonous to humans.

• To pets

  The plant commonly known as the apple tree is not toxic to pets in terms of the fruit flesh. However, as with humans, the seeds contain amygdalin, which can be harmful if ingested in large amounts. Ingestion of apple seeds by pets could potentially lead to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, panting, dilated pupils, and shock if a significant amount of cyanide were to be released in their system. It is generally safe for pets to eat the flesh of apples in moderation, but the core and seeds should be avoided.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  14 feet (4.26 meters)

• Spread

  12 feet (3.65 meters)

• Plant type

  Tree

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  Asia

General Benefits

• Edible Fruit: Produces sweet, aromatic apples that are often used for eating fresh or in culinary preparations.
• Ornamental Value: Has attractive blossoms in spring that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens.
• Economic Importance: Apples are a valuable commercial crop, contributing to the agricultural economy.
• Wildlife Habitat: Can provide food and shelter for various species of birds and beneficial insects.
• Pollination: Flowers offer nectar and pollen resources for bees and other pollinators.
• Shade Provider: Mature trees can offer shade, creating cooler areas in gardens and landscapes.
• Carbon Sequestration: As a tree, it absorbs carbon dioxide, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases.
• Education and Research: Used in horticultural studies and breeding programs for educational and scientific research.
• Recreational Activities: Apple picking can be an enjoyable and family-friendly activity.
• Cultural Significance: Plays a role in cultural traditions and festivals, such as harvest celebrations.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• The wood from apple trees, including the Worcester Pearmain variety, can be used for woodworking or crafting small items, such as kitchen utensils, due to its hardness and attractive grain.
• Apple tree branches can be used as supports for climbing plants in the garden; they are especially useful for annual climbers that need to be replaced each year.
• The bark of apple trees can be used in some traditional crafts, such as making decorative bark etchings or in natural fabric dyeing processes.
• Apple trees can be grown in larger pots as a part of urban gardening projects, where ground space is limited but vertical space allows for productive growth.
• Dried apple wood chips are often used in smoking meats, as they impart a sweet, fruity flavor that complements pork and poultry especially well.
• The fallen leaves from apple trees can be collected and added to compost bins, where they break down and contribute to creating nutrient-rich soil amendments for the garden.
• Apple tree prunings can be used to create natural woven fences or garden edging, blending functionality with rustic aesthetic appeal.
• Apple tree flowers can serve as an early spring source of nectar for bees and other pollinators, thus contributing to the health of local ecosystems.
• In educational settings, apple trees like the Worcester Pearmain can be used to teach students about the life cycle of plants, fruit development, and the importance of pollination.
• During autumn, the apples from these trees can be used in seasonal decorations, such as in wreaths or as natural table centerpieces, sometimes mixed with other autumnal elements like leaves and pumpkins.

Feng Shui

The Apple Tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Apple Tree is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Love and Temptation: As a variety of apple, Malus domestica 'Worcester Pearmain' often symbolizes love and temptation, harking back to the biblical story of Adam and Eve where the apple represents the forbidden fruit.
• Knowledge and Wisdom: Apples are also associated with knowledge, wisdom, and enlightenment, possibly stemming from the association with the story of Isaac Newton and the falling apple that led to his thoughts on gravity.
• Fertility and Abundance: Apples are a sign of fertility and abundance due to their prolific fruiting, which has made them a common symbol in various cultural traditions to represent prosperity.
• Beauty and Perfection: Historically, apples have been viewed as a symbol of beauty and perfection, often featured in art and literature as a representation of the ideal form.
• Immortality and Youth: In mythology, apples are sometimes seen as a fruit of immortality or youth, such as in the Norse myth of the goddess Idun who had apples that granted eternal youth to the gods.
• Peace and Resolution: Gifting apples can symbolize peace and the resolution of conflict, as seen in various cultural narratives where an apple is used as a peace offering.