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

Unless you’re growing a multigraft espalier, or your neighbors have apple trees in their garden, to get good fruit set, you’ll need to plant more than one variety so the trees can cross-pollinate.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 21, 2023

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

From Seattle Times • Apr. 13, 2018

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 • Jun. 4, 2017

Seth paused at the white steps leading up to the gazebo to pluck a piece of fruit from an espalier.

From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull

Espalier Rails.—Subsidiary to walls as a means of training fruit trees, espalier rails were formerly much employed, and are still used in many gardens.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 7 "Horticulture" to "Hudson Bay" by Various

Related Words

• arbor
• lattice