Comtesse de Paris Apple Malus 'Comtesse de Paris'
ABOUT
The Malus 'Comtesse de Paris' is commonly known as the 'Yellow Transparent' apple, reflecting the unique color and translucency of its fruit. This deciduous tree is ornamental, featuring a rounded canopy with branches that can spread outwards, providing a relatively dense and lush appearance. In spring, it bursts into a striking floral display, covered with delicate blossoms that range from white to a soft pink hue. The flowers not only bring visual delight but also attract pollinators to the garden. As the seasons progress, the flowers give way to the distinctive apples that this tree is named after. The fruits usually have a pale, almost luminescent yellow skin that can appear almost translucent, hence the name 'Yellow Transparent'. The apples are round and can vary from small to medium in size, with a texture that is fine-grained and tender. The flesh is known for its juicy quality and a taste that is a balance of sweet and tart, making these apples a treat to enjoy fresh from the tree. The foliage of the 'Yellow Transparent' apple tree adds to its charm, with leaves that are medium to dark green, oval-shaped, and come to a subtle point. Come fall, the leaves can turn shades of yellow and sometimes include hints of bronze, adding to the autumn color palette in the landscape. Overall, the 'Yellow Transparent' apple tree is a multi-dimensional plant that serves as an attractive addition to any space, providing seasonal interest through its spring blossoms, summer fruit, and fall foliage.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Countess of Paris Apple, Comtesse de Paris Apple
Common names
Malus 'Comtesse de Paris'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Malus 'Comtesse de Paris' is commonly known as the apple. Typically, the fruit of the apple tree is safe for human consumption when ripe. However, the seeds, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when digested. Ingesting small amounts of these parts is usually not harmful due to the low concentration of toxins. Ingesting large quantities of seeds, leaves, or stems could potentially lead to symptoms of cyanide poisoning, which include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, convulsions, and in extreme cases, can lead to coma or death. It is uncommon for humans to consume enough of the plant's toxic parts to cause severe poisoning.
To pets
The apple, which is the common name for Malus 'Comtesse de Paris', is generally considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats, especially the ripe fruit flesh. However, the seeds, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides. If a pet consumes a large number of apple seeds, leaves, or stems, they could potentially suffer from cyanide poisoning, with symptoms that may include panting, difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, shock, and in severe cases can be fatal. It is important to prevent pets from accessing large quantities of these parts of the apple tree to avoid the risk of poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
15-20 feet (4.6-6 m)
Spread
12-15 feet (3.6-4.6 m)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value - Malus 'Comtesse de Paris' is known for its attractive white flowers that bloom in spring, adding aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Fruit Production - The tree produces yellow-green fruits that can be ornamental or used in jellies and preserves.
- Shade Provider - As a deciduous tree, it can offer shade during the warmer months, creating comfortable outdoor spaces.
- Habitat for Wildlife - The tree can provide food and shelter for birds and beneficial insects within its ecosystem.
- Seasonal Interest - With seasonal changes from blossoming flowers, lush summer leaves, to autumn fruit, the plant adds year-round interest to the landscape.
- Pollinator Attraction - The blossoms attract bees and other pollinators, contributing to the health of the local pollinator population.
- Compact Growth - The variety is known to have a manageable size suitable for smaller gardens or urban spaces.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodworking: The hard wood of the apple tree can be used for small-scale woodworking projects, like crafting utensils, handles, and decorative items.
- Natural Dyes: The leaves and bark can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or paper.
- Photography: With their stunning blooms, apple trees can serve as an excellent subject or backdrop for photographers, particularly during the flowering season.
- Grafting Stock: Apple trees such as 'Comtesse de Paris' can be used as rootstock for grafting other apple varieties.
- Permaculture: Apple trees play a role as a food source and as part of a guild in permaculture designs, supporting biodiversity.
- Pomology Studies: The variety can be used in studies and cultivation programs focused on pomology, the science of fruit growing.
- Smoke Wood: Apple wood chips are often used to add a sweet, fruity flavor when smoking meats and cheeses.
- Bird Habitat: The tree provides shelter and nesting sites for various bird species in a garden setting.
- Educational Use: Schools and universities can use the apple tree as a teaching tool in botany and horticulture courses.
- Insectary Plants: By attracting beneficial insects, apple trees can help control pest populations in the garden.
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- Beauty and Elegance: The Malus 'Comtesse de Paris', commonly known as the Comtesse de Paris Apple, is named after French nobility, which invokes a sense of beauty and high society grace.
- Renewal and Rebirth: As an apple tree, it symbolizes springtime and the renewal of life, reflecting the cycle of rebirth in nature as it blooms with the change of season.
- Temptation and Knowledge: Apples have been historically associated with the story of Adam and Eve, thus symbolizing the allure of temptation as well as the pursuit of knowledge.
- Love and Fertility: The fruitfulness of the apple tree represents abundance in love and the potential for fertility, often tied to various cultural myths and traditions.
- Peace and Harmony: Bearing fruit that is sweet and enjoyed by many, the apple tree stands as a symbol for peace and harmonious relationships.
WaterThe Yellow Apple (Malus 'Comtesse de Paris') should be watered deeply to ensure that the moisture reaches the deep roots. This is best done by applying water directly to the base of the tree rather than watering from above, which prevents wastage and evaporation. The frequency of watering depends on the weather and soil conditions but generally, the tree should be watered once a week with approximately 5 to 10 gallons during the growing season. During dry spells or particularly hot temperatures, watering may need to increase to twice a week.
LightThe Yellow Apple thrives in full sun conditions, which means it should receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Position the tree in a spot where it is exposed to unfiltered sunlight for most of the day as this is crucial for fruit production and overall health.
TemperatureYellow Apple trees prefer moderate temperatures and are hardy in a range that typically extends from a minimum of -30°F to a maximum of around 80-90°F. The ideal growing temperatures for the tree are between 60°F and 75°F. These temperature ranges allow for proper dormancy in winter and abundant growth in the spring and summer months.
PruningPruning the Yellow Apple is essential to maintain its shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage the growth of fruit-bearing branches. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Typically, annual pruning is sufficient, but inspect the tree regularly to remove any problematic limbs.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for growing the 'Comtesse de Paris' apple tree is a well-draining, fertile loam with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Incorporate organic matter such as compost and aged manure to enrich the soil and foster healthy growth.
RepottingApple trees like the 'Comtesse de Paris' are typically not repotted as they are grown outdoors; however, if grown in a container, they should be repotted every 2-3 years or when roots are visible on the surface or emerging from drainage holes.
Humidity & Misting'Comtesse de Paris' apple trees do not require specific humidity levels and are adaptable to the ambient outdoor humidity in the areas where they can be grown.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suitable for indoor growth due to size and light needs.
Outdoor
Plant in a sunny spot with well-draining soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe plant Malus 'Comtesse de Paris', commonly known as the 'Comtesse de Paris' apple, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in favorable soil conditions during the spring. As a seedling, it grows root structures beneath the soil and sprouts its first leaves, relying on energy reserves in the seed until it can photosynthesize. Over the next several years, it develops into a juvenile tree, gradually becoming more robust as it establishes a trunk, branches, and a fuller canopy. Once mature, which can take several years, the 'Comtesse de Paris' apple tree enters its reproductive phase, blossoming in spring with flowers that, if pollinated, will develop into apples by late summer or autumn. After fruiting, during autumn and winter, the tree enters a period of dormancy, shedding its leaves and conserving energy for the next growing cycle. This cyclical pattern of growth, fruiting, and dormancy continues annually throughout the tree’s lifespan, which can be decades long if conditions are favorable.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
The Malus 'Comtesse de Paris', commonly known as the 'Yellow Transparent' apple, is typically propagated by grafting, which is the most popular method for this type of fruit tree. The best time for grafting is in late winter or early spring before the sap starts to flow. Scion wood, which is a cutting from a healthy 'Yellow Transparent' apple tree with several buds, is grafted onto a compatible rootstock to develop a new tree. The scion wood should be about 1/4 inch (6mm) in diameter and about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) long. The cut surfaces of both scion and rootstock are matched and bound together to encourage fusion. The graft union should be sealed with grafting wax or tape to prevent drying out and infection. Over time, the grafted joint heals, and the scion begins to grow, developing into a new apple tree that bears the characteristics of the 'Yellow Transparent' variety.
