cultivated apple
The apple is native to Central Asia where its wild ancestor Malus sieversii can still be found today. It is thought that apples were domesticated 10,000 years ago in the Tian Shan mountains and traveled along the Silk Road to Europe. The apple has been a long-standing feature of European culture, in Greek and Norse mythology, and Christian art. Seeds from some form of apple found in northeastern Italy have been dated to 4000 BCE. All told, more than 7,500 varieties have been developed for fruits specific for eating, cooking, or making cider.
The apple was brought to North America by European colonists in the 17th century and the very first apple orchard on the continent was planted near Boston in 1625. Seeds were then spread along Native American trade routes or cultivated on colonial farms.
The large apple tree by the boat launch at Salter Grove probably originated from a seed. Planted apple trees are usually grafted individuals that do not grow to a very large size and would bear better tasting fruits.