Apple Tree
Malus domestica · Deciduous fruit tree, hardwood
Plant Family
Rosaceae
Tree Category
Fruit Tree
Variety / Cultivar
General domestic apple cultivars (such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious based on visible green fruit)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8
About This Tree
A small to medium-sized deciduous tree with a rounded, spreading crown, dense branching, and prominent edible pome fruits
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate, oval to elliptical leaves, 2-4 inches long, with finely serrated margins and a slightly hairy underside
Bark Characteristics
Grayish-brown, smooth to slightly fissured or scaly, developing rougher texture with age
Growing Information
Origin Region
Central Asia, widely cultivated worldwide in temperate regions
Growing Season
Spring leaf-out and flowering in April-May, fruit development through summer, harvest in late summer to autumn, followed by winter dormancy
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun required, moderate and consistent watering needs, prefers well-draining soil with good moisture retention
Mature Size
Height of 15-25 feet with a similar spread, moderate growth rate, lifespan of 30-50+ years
Special Characteristics
Produces edible fruits, requires cross-pollination, highly valued for agricultural and ornamental use
Wildlife & Ecology
Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies during spring flowering, and provides food for birds and mammals via its fruits