Malus lancifolia

Rehder.

RosaceaeFruitPotential hazards — see below

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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

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North Carolina State University Vascular Plant Herbarium (NCSC-)

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Botanical Research Institute of Texas

What to Eat

Edible parts: Fruit

Fruit - raw or cooked. Up to 3cm in diameter.

Known Hazards

All members of this genus contain the toxin hydrogen cyanide in their seeds and possibly also in their leaves, but not in their fruits. Hydrogen cyanide is the substance that gives almonds their characteristic taste but it should only be consumed in very small quantities. Apple seeds do not normally contain very high quantities of hydrogen cyanide but, even so, should not be consumed in very large quantities. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.

Where to Find It

Eastern N. America - Pennsylvania to Virginia, Illinois and North Carolina.

NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Ontario (south)), United States (Indiana, Michigan (south & central), New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, Alabama (north), Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi (north), North Carolina (west), Tennessee, Virginia)

How to Identify

Malus lancifolia is a deciduous Tree growing to 6 m (19ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

How to Grow

An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most fertile soils, preferring a moisture retentive well-drained loamy soil. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a sunny position but succeeds in partial shade though it fruits less well in such a situation. There is some confusion over the correct name of this species. gives the name as a synonym of M. coronaria lancifolia (along with M. bracteata for which we also have a record) whilst recognizes it as a separate species. In it is treated as part of M. coronaria. The fruit is a good wildlife food source, especially for birds. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.

Propagation: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. It usually germinates in late winter. Stored seed requires stratification for 3 months at 1°c and should be sown in a cold frame as soon as it is received. It might not germinate for 12 months or more. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. If given a rich compost they usually grow away quickly and can be large enough to plant out in late summer, though consider giving them some protection from the cold in their first winter. Otherwise, keep them in pots in a cold frame and plant them out in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of mature wood, November in a frame.

Other Uses

The wood weighs 43lb per cubic foot.