Definition

1. Noun:
   • A framework or trellis, typically made of wood or wire, upon which a shrub or fruit tree is trained to grow in a flat, two-dimensional pattern, often against a wall or fence.
   • A plant, especially a fruit tree or ornamental shrub, that has been trained to grow in such a flat manner on a supporting structure.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The gardener created a beautiful espalier of apple trees along the south-facing wall.
  • The formal garden featured an intricate espalier of pear trees shaped like a fan.

Advanced Usage

• "To espalier" (verb, less common): The act of training a plant to grow flat against a support.
  • He decided to espalier the young peach tree to save space in the small yard.

Variants and Related Words

• Espaliered (adjective): Describing a plant that has been trained in the espalier style.
  • The espaliered branches formed a perfect lattice against the brick.

Synonyms

• Trellis: A framework of light wooden or metal bars used as a support for climbing plants.
• Lattice: A structure consisting of strips of wood or metal crossed and fastened together with square or diamond-shaped spaces left between.

Different Meanings

• The word espalier is highly specific and refers almost exclusively to the horticultural practice and its resulting structure or plant form. It does not have common alternative meanings.

Related Idioms or Phrases

• There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs directly using the word espalier. Its usage is primarily technical within gardening and horticulture.

Noun

1. a trellis on which ornamental shrub or fruit tree is trained to grow flat