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

Trees: Practically any fruit tree can be grown in an espalier fashion, which involves pruning and training the main stem and side branches of a tree to grow against flat surfaces such as a fence or wall, can be grown on a 6-by-5-foot wall, according to Butler.

From Seattle Times

She went, however; and when they reached the farm, and she was to be put down, at the end of the broad, neat gravel walk, which led between espalier apple-trees to the front door, the sight of every thing which had given her so much pleasure the autumn before, was beginning to revive a little local agitation; and when they parted, Emma observed her to be looking around with a sort of fearful curiosity, which determined her not to allow the visit to exceed the proposed quarter of an hour.

From Literature

Espalier is a way to create a living border in a garden, or decorate a fence or wall.

From Washington Times

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

From Washington Times

Related Words

• arbor
• lattice