Online Virtual Flora of Wisconsin

Malus pumila Mill.

Family: Rosaceae

cultivated apple, orchard apple, paradise apple

[Malus communis Poir., more...]

Matthew L. Wagner

University of Wisconsin - Madison (WIS-VP)

Open Interactive Map

Etymology: Malus: classical name of apple
Plants: perennial tree
Conservation Status: Introduced - escaped

Fields, fencerows, roadsides, old orchards and farmyards, thickets, along railroads, campgrounds, dumps, degraded prairies; edges of forests of oak, oak-hickory, aspen-green ash-birch, sugar maple-beech, maple-oak. This is the cultivated apple and is one of the most popular fruits in the country. It has no doubt been spread across the state by animals as well as humans discarding the cores. Native to Asia, and probably established as an escape since the early 1900’s; many early specimens lack habitat data. This species is highly variable, and some specimens are no doubt hybrids. Sometimes called M. domestica Borkh., an illegitimate name.

USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos University of Wisconsin - Green Bay: Trees: Photos, descriptions, information USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc.