Golden Winter Pearmain Malus 'Winter Gold'

Names

• Family

  Rosaceae.

• Synonyms

  Winter Gold Apple.

• Common names

  Malus 'Winter Gold'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Malus 'Winter Gold', commonly known as Crabapple, is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, the seeds, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when digested. Eating small quantities of these parts is generally not harmful, but in large amounts, it can cause symptoms of cyanide poisoning. These symptoms may include headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, and convulsions. Severe poisoning can be fatal, but this is rare and typically would require ingestion of a large amount of the toxic parts of the plant.

• To pets

  Crabapple, the common name for Malus 'Winter Gold', contains cyanogenic glycosides, particularly in the seeds, leaves, and stems. These compounds can release cyanide when metabolized and may be poisonous to pets if consumed in large quantities. Signs of cyanide poisoning in pets include difficulty breathing, panting, shock, dilated pupils, and, in severe cases, coma or death. While the fruit's flesh is usually not harmful, cautious pet owners should prevent their animals from ingesting the seeds or other parts of the crabapple plant that contain higher concentrations of these compounds.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Pink

• Height

  12-15 feet (3.6-4.6 meters)

• Spread

  12-15 feet (3.6-4.6 meters)

• Plant type

  Tree

• Hardiness zones

  4-8

• Native area

  Asia

General Benefits

• Ornamental value: The Malus 'Winter Gold', commonly known as 'Winter Gold' apple, has aesthetic appeal due to its attractive golden-yellow fruits that persist into winter, offering a striking contrast against the bare branches and winter landscape.
• Wildlife attraction: The fruit of the 'Winter Gold' apple provides a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife during the colder months when food is scarce.
• Pollination support: Its flowers are a nectar source for bees and other pollinating insects in the spring, which is beneficial for the pollination of nearby plants and the overall health of the ecosystem.
• Shade provider: As a tree, 'Winter Gold' can offer shade during the warmer months, creating cooler areas in gardens and landscapes, and potentially reducing cooling costs for nearby homes.
• Erosion control: The root system of the 'Winter Gold' apple can help stabilize the soil in which it is planted, reducing erosion and improving soil health.

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

• Photography Backdrop: The 'Winter Gold' apple's unique fruit and foliage provide a vibrant background for close-up photography and nature shots.
• Winter Garden Interest: When planted in a visible location, its golden-yellow fruits offer visual interest to otherwise barren winter gardens.
• Bonsai Subject: With its attractive form and manageable size, 'Winter Gold' can be trained as a bonsai for an ornamental display indoors or outdoors.
• Winter Wildlife Food Source: The persistent fruits serve as a late-season food source for birds and other wildlife.
• Educational Resource: This apple variety can be used in educational programs to teach about plant growth cycles and winter plant survival strategies.
• Privacy Screening: When planted in a row or hedge, 'Winter Gold' can provide a natural screen that offers seasonal privacy and windbreak benefits.
• Topiary Art: 'Winter Gold' can be trained into various topiary shapes for garden artistry and landscape design.
• Dye Production: Though not commonly used for this purpose, the bark or fruit can potentially be used to produce natural dyes for textiles or crafts.
• Artistic Inspiration: The distinctive fruits can inspire artists and crafters in painting, drawing, or creating botanical illustrations.
• Culinary Display: While the fruits are not the first choice for eating, they can be used in decorative culinary presentations or as a natural table centerpiece during the fall and winter months.

Feng Shui

The Crabapple is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Crabapple is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Renewal: As part of the apple family, the Malus 'Winter Gold', commonly known as 'Winter Gold' Crabapple, symbolizes renewal and the beginning of life due to the life cycle of apple trees where they shed their foliage and appear to come back to life each spring.
• Hope: With its bright, golden-yellow fruit persisting through winter, 'Winter Gold' Crabapple represents hope as it provides a cheerful sight against the stark winter landscape, reminding us that warmer days are ahead.
• Love: Apples have long been associated with love and fertility in various cultures, and 'Winter Gold' Crabapple by extension carries this symbolism, reflecting potential and affection.
• Peace: The apple, as a fruit, is often seen as an offering or a symbol of peace. Thus, 'Winter Gold' Crabapple can be indicative of tranquility and the desire for harmony.
• Beauty: With its attractive golden fruit and delicate blossoms, 'Winter Gold' Crabapple symbolizes beauty, celebrating the visual splendor of nature.