Winter twig

Hairs on fruit stalk

The leaves are oval with a serrated edge arranged alternately on the twigs. They are slightly hairy underneath.

ID check

Apple is a deciduous tree which grows to 5 m in cultivation but up to 9 m in the wild.

The 3-4 cm flowers are white to pale pink in spring and appear at the same time as the buds open.

The fruit stalk of Malus pumila is hairy (see photo) whereas the fruit stalk of Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris ssp. sylvestris) is not hairy.

Facts

• The bark can be used to make a yellow dye.

• Because of its association with the Garden of Eden, it is also known as "Paradise Apple" and is sometimes a symbol of temptation. However, it is also used in mythology as a symbol of immortality, reincarnation and love.

• The seeds contain toxic hydrogen cyanide and should not be eaten in excess.

• It is cultivated in about 100 countries.