Malus pumila (may’-lus pu’mill’-ah)
Family: Rosaceae, Rose

Key Steps

• 1b – Alternate leaf arrangement — go to 18
  • 18a – Leaf simple — go to 19
    • 19b – Thornless — go to 22
      • 22e – All leaves unlobed — go to 31
        • 31d – Leaf is oval or oblong (twice as long as wide) — go to 40
          • 40b – Leaf base symmetrical — go to 43
            • 43b – Leaf margin not wavy or only slightly wavy; margin obviously toothed — go to 44
              • 44b – Petiole is less than 1 inch long — go to 45
                • 45b – Irregular pinnate venation; veins may curve slightly; usually splitting and forking near the leaf margin — go to 48
                  • 48a – No glands on petiole or base of leaf. Newest stem growth and buds are hairy — go to 49
                    • 49a – Stems, leaves, and buds very hairy — Apple

Description

Leaf: Egg-shaped. Toothed margin. Hairy, stout petiole. Leaf may have heart-shaped base. Usually soft and hairy, especially beneath.

Bud: Whitish, hairy. Blunt. Bud scales rounded.

Leaf Scar: Somewhat raised, narrow, slightly curved. Three bundle scars.

Stem: Hairy. Fruit spurs present (short, stubby branches). Sweet taste.

Bark: Gray, round, wide ridges that may spiral.

Flower: Pinkish-white blossoms. Flower stalk hairy.

Fruit: Apple, 3″ diameter.

Habit: Medium size, broad canopy. To 30 feet tall. Short trunk.

Culture: Moderate moisture requirement. Well drained, full sun.

Resources

• Identifying Broadleaf Flowering Trees and Shrubs, CMG GardenNotes #173
• List of trees in this key
• Glossary of Terms
• Front Range Tree Recommendation List
• Online CSU Extension publications on Tree and Shrub Selection