This apple is an excellent example of an espaliered tree, one that has been trained to grow in just two dimensions by artful pruning and by tying its branches to a flat frame, fence or wall . The tree is in formal candelabra form, in which branches grow straight out to the side and then upward at a right angle to form the shape of a candelabra (see photo).
When naturalized, this amazing species provides food — through its buds, leaves, flowers, fruit and sap — to a myriad of invertebrates (bees, beetles, aphids, leafhoppers, butterflies, moths) as well as to birds (grouse, finches, sparrows, orioles) and mammals (deer, fox, bear, opossum, skunk).
(Note: The last photo is not the Conestoga tree.)
