Dartmouth Apple Malus 'Dartmouth'
ABOUT
Malus 'Dartmouth', commonly known as the Dartmouth apple tree, is a deciduous plant renowned for its striking aesthetic features. It bears a profusion of blossoms that come to life typically in springtime. The flowers are bold and often exhibit a blush pink to vibrant white hue. These blooms cluster together which creates a stunning visual display that adds ornamental value to gardens and landscapes. As the season progresses, the Dartmouth apple tree produces fruit. The apples are aesthetically pleasing, with a skin that can be described as a blend of reds, yellows, and greens depending on the maturity of the fruit. The flesh inside is firm and juicy, which is typically enjoyed for its crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor when consumed fresh. The leaves of the Dartmouth apple tree contribute to its overall beauty throughout the growing season. They emerge with a soft green color that deepens as they mature, providing a lush backdrop for both the springtime flowers and the developing fruits. In the fall, the foliage often transitions to display an array of autumnal shades, including yellows, oranges, and reds, before they drop with the advent of winter. Overall, the Dartmouth apple tree has a branching structure that supports both its ornamental and fruit-bearing purpose. The limbs and twigs stretch outward, creating a canopy that each season dresses up in different colors and textures, from the soft blossoms of spring to the rich tapestry of leaves and ripening apples in summer and fall.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Dartmouth Apple
Common names
Malus 'Dartmouth'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Malus 'Dartmouth', commonly known as the apple tree, is generally not toxic to humans. However, the seeds inside the apples contain amygdalin, a compound that can release cyanide into the body when digested. Eating a small number of apple seeds is unlikely to cause harm, but consuming them in large quantities can lead to cyanide poisoning. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include headache, confusion, dizziness, breathing difficulties, and potentially even coma or death if a significant amount is ingested. It's important to note that the fruit's flesh is safe to eat and not associated with toxicity.
To pets
The apple tree, which is the common name for Malus 'Dartmouth', poses similar risks to pets as it does to humans. The seeds, leaves, and stems of the apple tree contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be toxic to pets if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning in pets can include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, and in severe cases, coma or death. The flesh of the apple itself is not toxic to pets, but care should be taken to avoid allowing pets to consume large amounts of seeds or other parts of the plant.
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
Varies
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Displays attractive blossoms in spring, enhancing the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Shade Provision: Mature trees can offer a pleasant shade, making outdoor spaces more comfortable in warmer months.
- Wildlife Support: Provides food and habitat for birds and beneficial insects, supporting local biodiversity.
- Pollinator Friendly: Flowers are a source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators, aiding in the health of local ecosystems.
- Edible Fruit: Produces apples which can be consumed fresh, cooked, or processed into various products like cider and sauce.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round interest with blossoms in spring, fruit in summer and fall, and striking branch patterns in winter.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: The beautiful blossoms of the apple tree can be used as a natural backdrop or setting for outdoor portrait photography sessions.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the stunning apple blossoms as inspiration or subjects for paintings, drawings, and other forms of visual art.
- Floral Arrangements: The branches laden with flowers can be cut and used in intricate floral arrangements for events or as part of home decor.
- Educational Tool: Apple trees can be used in educational settings to teach students about plant growth, pollination, and the life cycle of fruit trees.
- Natural Dyes: The leaves and bark can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, yarns, or paper products.
- Craft Materials: Fallen branches can be collected and utilized as craft materials, for making wreaths or other decorative items.
- Culinary Decoration: The flowers can be used to decorate cakes or desserts, especially for spring-themed events or celebrations.
- Woodworking: Wood from the apple tree can be used for small woodworking projects like carving utensils, toys, or other decorative items.
- Wildlife Shelter: The dense foliage and branching habit provide shelter and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife.
- Perfumery: The scent of apple blossoms could be captured and used in making perfumes or scented oils.
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: The Malus 'Dartmouth', commonly known as the Dartmouth Apple tree, often symbolizes beauty due to its attractive and delicate blossoms.
- Renewal: As an apple tree, it signifies renewal and rebirth because it blooms each spring, representing the cycle of seasons and new beginnings.
- Love: The apple has historically been linked to love and temptation, an association that dates back to ancient myths and religious stories.
- Knowledge: In various mythologies, the apple represents knowledge and enlightenment, reflecting the pursuit of learning and understanding.
- Abundance: The fruit-bearing nature of the Dartmouth Apple signifies abundance and fertility, often associated with harvest and plenty.
WaterThe Dartmouth apple tree, commonly known as the Dartmouth Crabapple, should be watered deeply once a week during its growing season, especially in the absence of rain. The goal is to ensure that the water reaches the tree's roots, which are usually 12 to 18 inches below ground level. Each watering session should provide about 15 to 20 gallons of water to saturate the soil around the root zone. During the dormant season, watering frequency can be reduced, but ensure the soil doesn't become completely dry. Watering should be adjusted based on weather conditions, with more water provided during hot, dry spells and less during periods of heavy rainfall.
LightThe Dartmouth Crabapple thrives best in full sun conditions. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to perform well. The ideal spot for planting this tree is in an area that isn't shaded by larger trees or buildings, ensuring it gets uninterrupted sunlight throughout the day. These light conditions promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.
TemperatureThe Dartmouth Crabapple is hardy and can handle a range of temperatures; however, its ideal growing conditions are in regions with a temperate climate. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about -20°F and maximum temperatures well into the 90s°F. For optimal growth and fruit production, a climate with spring and summer temperatures averaging between 60°F and 75°F is ideal.
PruningPruning is essential for the Dartmouth Crabapple to maintain its shape, remove any dead or diseased branches, and encourage a strong structure. The best time to prune is in late winter to early spring before new growth starts. Pruning can be done annually, with more substantial pruning carried out every few years to manage the tree's size and shape. Focus on thinning out crowded branches to ensure adequate light and air circulation.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Dartmouth apple tree prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of loam, sand, and composted organic matter can create an optimal environment for its roots. Make sure to amend the soil with plenty of organic matter before planting and mulch to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
RepottingDartmouth apple trees planted in containers should be repotted every 2 to 3 years during their early years of growth. As they mature and their growth slows down, repotting can be done less frequently, only when the tree becomes root-bound or the soil is exhausted.
Humidity & MistingDartmouth apple trees are adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels typical of temperate climates. As long as the tree is planted outdoors where it can benefit from natural air circulation, specific humidity control is not necessary.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure ample light, good ventilation, and adequate pot size for roots.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, protect from strong winds, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-7 USDA
Life cycleThe Malus 'Dartmouth', commonly known as the Dartmouth apple, starts its life cycle from a dormant seed which upon favorable conditions germinates, producing a small seedling. The seedling grows into a juvenile tree through a vegetative stage, characterized by the development of roots, stems, and leaves, vital for photosynthesis. As the tree matures, it enters the reproductive stage, blossoming with flowers which, after pollination, potentially develop into apples. Following fertilization, the ovules within the flowers form seeds, and the surrounding tissue grows into fruit. After the fruit ripens, it falls to the ground or is harvested, and the seeds may disperse to start a new life cycle. Finally, the apple tree enters senescence over time, gradually reducing in productivity until it eventually dies.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter
The Malus 'Dartmouth', commonly known as the Dartmouth apple tree, is most frequently propagated by grafting onto rootstock. This method is popular due to its effectiveness in producing true-to-type trees, which maintain the characteristics of the parent plant. Grafting is typically done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. A scion, which is a cutting from a mature Dartmouth apple tree with several buds, is grafted onto a compatible rootstock that has been carefully selected for its vigor and disease resistance. The scion is carefully aligned with the rootstock's cut surface, ensuring that the cambium layers—the growing parts of the stems—touch. The graft union is then secured with grafting tape and coated with a sealant to prevent desiccation and infection. After the graft has taken, typically a few weeks to a few months later, the tree is then planted out or further nurtured in a nursery setting.
