Apple

Malus domestica

Family: Rosaceae

Fruit Tree
Needs Winter Chill

Pet & Human Safety

Toxic to people and pets

Human edibility

Only some parts are edible

Edible parts

ripe fruit

Hazardous parts

seeds, leaves (especially wilting leaves)

Preparation

The ripe fruit is eaten as-is. Seeds, leaves and stems are not food; the hazard comes from eating large quantities of them.

Hazard type

cyanogenic-glycoside (amygdalin) poisoning from the seeds or leaves, only if large quantities are eaten (NC State Extension, related-species page)

Hazard route

ingestion of seeds or leaves in large quantity

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

Toxic to pets (seeds/stems/leaves)

ASPCA names cyanogenic glycosides in the stems, leaves and seeds as the toxic principle, and says wilted material is the most dangerous. Listed clinical signs: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. The ripe fruit itself is not the hazard: it's the seeds, stems and wilting leaves. This app does not say any part of an apple besides the ripe fruit may be eaten.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 4a-9b (NC State Extension).
Mature size: 15-30 feet tall, 15-30 feet wide (NC State Extension).
Where it comes from: Cultivated origin in Central Asia; grown worldwide in temperate climates. Not native to the US (NC State Extension).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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