espalier

[ ih-spal-yer, -yey ]

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.

verb (used with object)

1. to train on an espalier.
2. to furnish with an espalier.

espalier

/ 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

verb

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of espalier¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of espalier¹

C17: from French: trellis, from Old Italian: shoulder supports, from spalla shoulder, from Late Latin spatula

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

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

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

From Literature

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

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• arbor
• lattice