When out hiking in nature, you may come upon an apple tree growing far from the nearest home. It’s an unusual sight that may raise questions for you about wild apples. Why do apple trees grow in the wild? What are wild apples? Are wild apple trees edible? Read on to get answers to these questions. We’ll give you wild apple tree information and provide an overview of the different types of wild apple trees.
Do Apple Trees Grow in the Wild?
It is entirely possible to find an apple tree growing in the middle of a forest or in another location some distance from a town or farmhouse. It might be one of the original wild apple trees or it may instead be a descendent of a cultivated variety.
Are wild apple trees edible? Both types of wild apple trees are edible, but the cultivated tree descendent will likely produce larger, sweeter fruit. The fruit of a wild tree will be small and sour, yet very attractive to wildlife.
What are Wild Apples?
Wild apples (or crapapples) are the original apple trees, bearing the scientific name Malus sieversii. They are the tree from which all cultivated varieties of apple (Malus domestica) were developed. Unlike cultivars, wild apples always grow from seed and each one is genetically unique, potentially tougher, and better adapted to local conditions than cultivars.
The wild trees are usually quite short and produce small, acidic fruit. The apples are devoured happily by bears, turkeys, and deer. The fruit can be eaten by humans as well and is sweeter after it is cooked. Over 300 species of caterpillars eat wild apple leaves, and that’s only counting those in the northeast area of the U.S. Those caterpillars feed countless wild birds.
Wild Apple Tree Information
Wild apple tree info tells us that although some of the apple trees growing in the middle of nowhere are, in fact, wild apple trees, others are cultivars planted at some point in the past by a human gardener. For example, if you find an apple tree along the edge of a rough field, it was likely planted decades before when someone actually cultivated that field.
While generally native plants are better for wildlife than introduced cultivars from elsewhere, that is not the case with apple trees. The trees and their fruits are similar enough that wildlife will consume cultivated apples as well.
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You can assist wildlife by helping the tree grow stronger and more fruitful. How do you do that? Cut down nearby trees that block the sun from the apple tree. Trim back the apple tree branches to open up the center and allow the light in. The tree will also appreciate a layer of compost or manure in the springtime.
FAQs
It is entirely possible to find an apple tree growing in the middle of a forest or in another location some distance from a town or farmhouse. It might be one of the original wild apple trees or it may instead be a descendent of a cultivated variety.
What are the facts about wild apple trees? ›
The wild apple is thousands of years old
Britain is a north western outpost of the European wild apple, which can be found in central, eastern and northern Europe and usually grows at the edge of forests. “There are loads of different domesticated apple varieties.
Where do apples grow naturally? ›
Apples are not native to North America. They originated in Kazakhstan, in central Asia east of the Caspian Sea. Alma Ata, capital of Kazakhstan, until 1997, means “full of apples.” By 1500 BC apple seeds had been carried throughout Europe. The Greeks, Etruscans, and Romans cultivated apples.
Do wild apples still exist? ›
Today, reserves throughout the Tian Shan mountain range keep the last wild apple forests growing safely—except from foraging bears, who don't care at all about botanical history. Pomologists report that the wild apples have a variety of flavors, depending on how the bees pollinate the blossoms.
Do apple trees grow in the woods? ›
But even though these apple trees aren't cultivated in an orchard, it's a stretch to call them “wild.” There are a few native apple species in the US, but the vast majority of apple trees—even those growing in the woods—were introduced by people.
Do apple trees grow anywhere? ›
Apple trees can grow almost anywhere with full sun and well-drained soil—especially if they have other apple or crabapple trees nearby. They are susceptible to several pests and diseases, but don't let that stop you from planting them in your yard.
How long do wild apple trees live? ›
An apple tree is a long-lived tree, living close to 100 years and still producing fruit, if properly managed. Not only are these trees important for wildlife, but also maintain a legacy of agriculture and local history that is irreplaceable.
Are wild apple trees safe to eat? ›
The leaves and blossoms of apple trees are also edible and can be used in moderation as garnishes, or to make herbal teas, but you should only eat small amounts due to the presence of mild toxins, the same as those found in apple pips and cores.
Do wild apples taste good? ›
One of the worst qualities of wild apples is a bitter tinge that otherwise sweet apples sometimes have. All the apples were more tart and sour than many store-bought apples. However, they all generally had a stronger more intense flavour than store-bought apples ever do.
What are the benefits of wild apples? ›
Apples are high in phytonutrients, the compounds in plants that have health-promoting properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and liver-health-promoting activities. They are also high in soluble fiber, which can help reduce cholesterol and prevent heart disease.
The fruit, according to him, is about an inch and a half in diameter, and is intensely acid. Yet they make fine sweetmeats, and also cider of them.
Where do apple trees grow best? ›
Apple trees thrive when growing in a location that receives full sun and has a well-drained, fertile soil. Full sun translates to at least six- to eight-hours of sunlight during the growing season.
What animal eats apples in the wild? ›
Deer, mice, bears, raccoons, turkeys and many songbirds relish apples. Abandoned orchards have long been popular with wildlife, but with the decline of New England agriculture they are being crowded out by forest and subdivision. To keep apple tree numbers up, we should plant some.
Can you find apples in the wild? ›
Occasionally you find the remnants of an old orchard long abandoned where wild seedlings overtook the older, cultivated trees. Wild apples can be very high above the ground, and some are small as crabs. Reaching up to pick them amidst unpruned branches can make slow work.
How to care for a wild apple tree? ›
Fertilizing apple trees is not necessary when they are grown to provide fruit for wildlife. In most cases, the soil will be fertile enough for the tree. Trees for wildlife should be grown with minimum input. Simply provide the tree with direct sunlight and prune each year or every other year.
Are wild apples edible? ›
Edible Uses of Wild Apple
The true wild apple can be a little sour and is best cooked and used to make jellies, jam and deserts. The leaves can also be used fresh or dried to make herbal infusions. Because of the high pectin content they are great for making fruit cheeses similar to membrillo.
Do any wild animals eat apples? ›
And it has vitamins, fiber, and is tasty. But apples are not just for people, they're great for wildlife as well. Deer, mice, bears, raccoons, turkeys and many songbirds relish apples.
Are apple trees an invasive species? ›
Believe it or not, apple trees can be one of the more stubborn invasive species on farms. A few years back, I described the surprising but not especially uncommon way wild apple trees can take root in abandoned fields and eventually grow to large sizes.
