If youre asking yourself, “What kind of apple tree do I have?”, fret not. From our experience, identifying your apple tree can enhance your gardening experience, ensuring you provide the best care possible.
In this article, well answer that question by diving deeper into the methods of identification, why its important to know your apple tree variety, and some key considerations to keep in mind.
So, if youre ready to unlock the secrets of your apple tree and provide it with the best possible care, continue reading.
Apple trees are a popular fruit tree grown around the world. With over 7500 cultivars being able to identify an unknown apple tree can be challenging. This guide will explain the key characteristics to examine to help identify apple trees.
Examine the Tree’s Form and Bark
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Apple trees are small deciduous trees, typically reaching 15-30 feet at maturity. Dwarf varieties grafted onto rootstock may be much smaller
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The bark is smooth when young, developing shallow grooves with age. Mature bark is gray-brown.
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Apple trees tend to have an oval shape with wizened branching, especially on older trees.
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Look for suckers emerging from the ground around the trunk. Apple trees commonly sucker from the roots.
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Grafted trees may show a visible graft union on the trunk near the base.
Look at the Leaves
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Leaves are alternately arranged on branches and deciduous, turning yellow in fall.
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Leaves are oval, 2-4 inches long. Margins are toothed or nearly smooth.
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Tips are pointed. Bases are rounded or wedge-shaped.
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Young leaves are pubescent but mature leaves are mostly bare.
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Stipules are small leaf-like appendages at leaf bases that fall off before autumn.
Examine the Flowers and Fruit
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Clusters of 5-petaled pink buds open to white or pinkish flowers.
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The fruit is a pome with seeds inside. Skin color varies widely.
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Lenticels dot the fruit skin. Remains of the flower (sepals) are at the blossom end.
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The fruit’s stalk, cavity, base, apex, and eye can aid identification.
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Taste, texture, uses, harvest time, and other traits also help indicate variety.
Consider Climate Adaptability
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Chill hours needed for fruit set indicate suitable planting zones.
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Late bloomers avoid frost. Low chill varieties suit warmer zones.
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Some resist disease or tolerate humidity and rain. Select types appropriately.
Examine Pollination Factors
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Most are self-incompatible and need pollinator partners.
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Bloom time indicates compatibility. Cross-pollinate early, mid and late bloomers.
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Triploid varieties can’t pollinate. Use at least 2 other kinds for fruit set.
Use Identification Resources
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Compare fruit characteristics to variety profiles in reference books and databases.
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Ask experts at orchards, nurseries, extension offices, festivals, or farmers markets.
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Consider DNA fingerprinting for exact match if needed.
Properly identifying apple trees takes some careful examination and research. But with attention to detail, you can zero in on the specific variety and learn how to best grow that type of apple tree.
Ways to Identify an Apple Variety
Identifying the variety of your apple tree can be approached in several ways. Here are some methods based on our observations:
Do Extensive Research Yourself
Start by examining the trees physical characteristics. Look at the shape, size, and color of the apples, leaves, and flowers. Cross-reference these traits with resources and databases available online or in gardening books.
Additionally, observe the time of year the tree blooms and when the apples ripen, as these can be critical clues. Document your findings with photographs and detailed notes.
From our experience at Raintree Nursery, we recommend using online databases and apps specifically designed for fruit tree identification. These tools can provide a wealth of information based on your trees characteristics.
By comparing your observations with these resources, you can narrow down the possible varieties and gain a better understanding of your apple tree.
This method not only helps in identifying your tree but also deepens your knowledge of apple tree care.
Identifying an Apple Tree
FAQ
How do I identify what apple tree I have?
Ways to Identify an Apple Variety
Start by examining the tree’s physical characteristics. Look at the shape, size, and color of the apples, leaves, and flowers. Cross-reference these traits with resources and databases available online or in gardening books.
Is there an app for identifying apples?
FruitVegetableSnap -Identifier 17+
Instantly identify Apples, Dragon Fruit, Papayas, Cucumbers and More and more using the latest AI fruit and vegetable recognition technology!
What type of apple is on my tree?
In most cases, the only way to know for certain what variety of apple you have is to have some form of documentation such as a plant label, receipt, letter, or journal entry from the gardener who planted the tree.
How to tell the difference between an apple tree and a crabapple tree?
Crab Apple leaves are hairless underneath, whereas the Orchard Apple leaves are hairy.