espalier

American  

[ih-spal-yer, -yey] / ɪˈspæl yər, -yeɪ /

noun

1. a trellis or framework on which the trunk and branches of fruit trees or shrubs are trained to grow in one plane.

2. a plant so trained.

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verb (used with object)

1. to train on an espalier.

2. to furnish with an espalier.

espalier British  

/ ɪˈspæljə /

noun

1. an ornamental shrub or fruit tree that has been trained to grow flat, as against a wall

2. the trellis, framework, or arrangement of stakes on which such plants are trained

3. the method used to produce such plants

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verb

1. (tr) to train (a plant) on an espalier

Etymology

Origin of espalier

1655–65; < French, Middle French: trellis < Italian spalliera back rest, espalier, equivalent to spall ( a ) shoulder, support + -iera -ier ²

Example Sentences

The espalier technique I will describe can also be applied to white currants and gooseberries.

From Washington Times

She has planted an Asian pear tree, shaped in espalier to hide a storage area under the deck.

From Seattle Times

A series of espalier fruit trees — apple and pear — creates a fence-like frame behind the boxes.

From Seattle Times

Rinne will have a lot to show and share, like the berry bushes, grape arbors and espalier apple trees, so symmetrical they look like candelabras.

From Washington Times

To bring the gardens inside the home, Gimmy planted espalier magnolias outside the kitchen windows.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• arbor
• lattice