Taxonomy

Most apple trees do not exceed twenty-five feet in height and average closer to fifteen feet. The trunk is relatively thick for the size of the tree, and the overall shape of the tree is rather broad. Like other members of the rose family, the flowers of the apple have five white or pink petals.

The apple fruit is usually large with a thin peel over the tasty flesh (which is modified stem tissue), which surrounds a core that contains the seeds.

The leaves are usually oval-shaped with toothed edges. Apple leaves are usually not smooth and shiny on the upper surface, as are the leaves of pear trees (close relatives).