The Orchard at
Sage Hen Farm:
Apple Trees

August: All Colors | September: Yellow, Green, or Russetted and Red | October: Yellow, Green, or Russetted and Red | Crabs

Yellow includes apples that are solid yellow or prominently yellow with a sunny-side red blush.
Red includes apples that are either solid red or decidedly red, including those with predominant red stripes, streaks, or patches.]

Antonovka, Ashmead's Kernal, Autumn Crisp (was NY 674), Baldwin, Black Oxford, Blue Pearmain, Briggs Auburn
Calville Blanc, Chestnut Crab, Cole's Quince, Connell Red, Cox's Orange Pippin
Dolgo Crab, Duchess of Oldenburg, Esopus Spitzenberg, Fameuse (or Snow)
Gala, Garden Royal, Ginger Gold, Golden Pippin, Golden Russet, Red Gravenstein, Ginger Gold, Grimes Golden
Haralson, Hewes Crab, Holstein, Honeycrisp, Hubbardston Nonesuch, Hyslop Crab
Jonagold, Keepsake, Kidd's Orange Red, King David, King of the Pippins, King of Tompkins County
Liberty, Lodi, Magog Redstreak, Mother, Newtown Pippin, Northern Spy, Northfield Beauty
Pitmaston Pine Apple, Porter, Rambo, Redfield, Rhode Island Greening, Roxbury Russet
Smokehouse, St. Edmund's Russet, Sops of Wine, Stayman, Starkey, Striped Harvey
Tolman Sweet, Twenty Ounce, Wealthy, Westfield Seek No Further, Winesap, Yellow Bellflower

Color & Texture of Skin & Flesh

Bloom
&
Harvest

Rootstook
&
Hardiness

Source
Year
Location

Merits & Faults

Ratings

Cole's Quince
(Quince of Cole)
[same as or similar to Seneca Spice & Seneca Favorite]

Me.
before 1850

me

large

flattish, ribbed or knobby

rich; sweet to sub-acid

yellow, dotted; thick skinned

yellow, blushed; texture is crisp and tender

early [est.]

Antonovka (100%)

to z3

Fedco

2007

Row 1

Merits: Tree: annual; early bearer. Fruit: good for fresh & "first-rate" for cooking.

Faults: Fruit: poor keeper.

Merit or fault?: ripens over several weeks.

Ratings: AoNY: favorably mentioned, but not rated; Bull1897: 5-6/D2*; Bull1899: 5-6/D2*; NY1907: —.LM.k [Supplanted by better sorts]; Cole [son of its propagator]: "when in perfection, we have not seen its superior; Eliott: vg; Munson: vg; Hooper: 2; UIll: vg for cooking (one of 17 of "greatest promise for general usefulness"); Ragan: vg

Duchess of Oldenburg (Borovitsky, Duchess, Oldenburg)

Russia
1700

ta ng

large

round, slightly ribbed

tart

maroon over cream or green, blue bloom; moderately thick skinned

pale cream; texture is moderately fine-grained & juicy

May 2 to May 19; Lowther: April 24-May 2

late Aug

G16 (30%)

to z3

Cummins

2005
first fruit: 2006

Row 3

Merits: Tree: very hardy (ironclad); early bearer; heavy cropper of large fruit; well adapted to different soils and climates; bears fruits uniform in size & shape; fruits hang well on tree; require little pruning. Fruit: prized for early season cooking and sauce;

Faults: Tree: susceptible to various diseases. Fruit: poor keeper; becomes mealy when overripe; not prized for fresh eating.

Merit or fault?: Tree: tip bearer (pruning challenge); ripens over several weeks; tends to be biennial, but often annual; naturally small tree. Fruit: not very juicy (makes it good for baking); reports on flavor vary: not highly flavored, too tart, or well flavored.

Ratings: AoNY: g to vg for culinary purposes; Agassiz: good; Bull1897: 4-5/D2**; NY1907: *.M.k [** in other regions. Hardy, vigorous, productive, cosmopolitan]; Cole: excellent only for cooking; Hooper: 2; Wilkinson: good; Ragan: g

small to medium

wide, slightly ribbed

rich & pleasant sub-acid

green yellow with dull red stripes, dotted; thin skinned

yellow; texture is very tender & juicy;

early [est.]

late Aug

Antonovka (100%)

to z4

Row 6

Merits: Tree: early bearer; hardy; long-lived. Fruit: pleasantly aromatic; one of highest rated for flavor.

Faults: Tree: biennial. Fruit: poor keeper; tender skin.

Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally small; heavy cropper, but thinning required for good sized fruit. Fruit: small.

Ratings: AoNY: vg; Bull1897: 10/D2**[99: D2*]; NY1907: *.H.d [Good dessert sort but too small for market]; Cole: nothing superior; Ragan: b

Lodi
(Improved Yellow Transparent)
Montgomery X Yellow Transparent, NY
1911

aa ea vt ng

large

somewhat
elongated

mild sub-acid to tart

pale yellow; thin & tender skinned

white; texture is moderately soft & tender

Antonovka (100%)

to z3

St. Lawrence

2003
first fruit: 2006

Creekside

Merits: Tree: very hardy (nearly ironclad); resistant to apple scab; fruit hangs well. Fruit: prized for sauce & early season pies

Faults: Tree: tends biennial; bears fruits uneven in size & shape. Fruit: very poor keeper; quickly browning flesh; becomes mealy when overripe;

Merit or fault?: Tree: heavy cropper, but much thinning required for good sized fruit and to prevent biennial bearing. Fruit: susceptible to sweet water core [provides special burst of flavor, but lead to decay at core].

Red Gravenstein
(Banks)
Europe
before 1650,
red strain before 1880

aa op ng

medium to large

flattish, ribbed, often lopsided

sub-acid to tart; complex flavors

red stripes & splashes over orangy yellow; thin skinned

ivory; texture is crisp, very fine-grained & very juicy

M7 (60%)

to z4 or z5

Cummins

2007

Row 6

Merits: Tree: early bearing; requires little pruning; widely recommended for both home and coommercial orchards. Fruit: prized for sprightly rich flavor; handles well; considered best early season cider apple

Faults: Tree: biennial; triploid (does not pollinate); may drop fruit prematurely; susceptible to scab & various diseases; subject to winter damage. Fruit: skin can become greasy; quickly browning.

Merit or fault?: Tree: productive or not very productive (reports vary); ripens over several weeks. Fruit: subject to sweet water core [provides special burst of flavor, but lead to decay at core].

Ratings: AoNY: vg to best; Agassiz: nr [but Gravensteing vg]; Bull1897: 5-6/D2** [99: 8-9/D2**]; NY1907: **.M.dk [Bears early, prodcutive, vigorous. Fruit attractive and excellent]; Cole: one of the handsomest and best; Hooper: sometimes excellent, sometimes very coarse & too acid; UIll: vg to best; Wilkinson: vg; Ragan: vg

Northfield Beauty
(Siberian crab x Hubbardston?)
Vermont.
before 1875;
lost, but reintroduced from California by Albert Etter

ea

medium to large

wide, asymmetric

spicy subacid; complex flavors

red & red stripes dominant over yellow; tender skinned

white; texture is crisp & juicy

early [est.]

late Aug into Sept

M111 (80%)

to z3

Row 7

Merits: Tree: very hardy (nearly ironclad); heavy cropper of good-sized fruit; fruit hangs well; resistant to scab. Fruit: one of better keepers among earlier ripening apples; prized for its spicy flavor.

Faults: Tree: short-lived.

Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally small. Fruit: asymmetrical shape makes it not-so beautiful to some.

Ratings: Bull99: 6-8/D2...; Downing: good; AHS: approaching best; Ragan: vg

Sops of Wine

UK
before 1600

cf

medium to large

roundish, slightly ribbed, asymmetric

subacid, hint of anise

purplish red over crimson, some yellow, dotted; moderately thin & tender skinned

white tinged with pink; texture is soft; but only moderately juicy

May 8 to 21; Lowther: April 28-May 6

late Aug to early Sep

M7 (60%)

to z4

Miller

2007

Row 6

Merits: Tree: early bearer; heavy cropper of large fruit. Fruit: distinctive red stained white flesh.

Faults: Fruit: poor keeper; becomes mealy when overripe.

Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally large.

Ratings: AoNY: good; Bull1897: 5-6/D2*; NY1907: —.H.k [Superseded by better varieties]; Elliott: very good; Cole: neither excellent nor profitable; Hooper: 3; Moore Orchards: mediocre at best; Wilkinson: good; Ragan: g

Color & Texture of Skin & Flesh

Bloom
&
Harvest

Rootstook
&
Hardiness

Source
Year
Location

Merits & Faults

Ratings

Antonovka

Russia
before 1750

bh ng

large

wider than classic apple shape

sweet?, sub-acid?, acid? [reports vary]; mild

yellow; tough skinned

creamy white; texture is coarse, crisp, juicy.

May 6 [est.]

late Sep

Antonovka (100%)

to z3

Fedco

2003

creekside

Merits: Tree: very hardy (ironclad); moderate to heavy cropper. Fruit: does not bruise easily; good keeper.

Faults: Fruit: not very flavorful; quickly browning flesh.

Ratings: AoNY: "of no practical value for this state [Beach later revised rating to "good for dessert use" in northern New York; Agassiz: good; Bull1897: 7/D2..[99: D2:+]; Bull1899: 7/D2+; NY1907: —.H.k [May be of value where superior hardiness is a prime requisite]; Ragan: poor

Ginger Gold
(unknown, but Golden Delicious, Winesap, and/or Newtown Pippin may be included in its parentage)
Virginia
1938

aa ny

medium to large

flattish

green-yellow with slight red blush; tough skinned

white; texture is crisp

early [est.]

first and second week of Sept

Antonovka (100%)

to z4

Merits: Tree: bears fruit uniform in size & shape. Fruit: non-browning flesh; does not bruise easily; excellent keeper for fall apple.

Faults: Fruit: cooking or baking.

Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally large. Fruit: sweetness too cloying?

Golden Pippin

NY
before 1850

ng

medium to large

yellow, ranging from greenish yellow to golden brown; moderately thick skinned

yellow; texture is crisp, tender, & juicy

mid Sept

M9 (30%)

to z4

Cummins

2005
first fruit: 2007

Row 5

Merits: Tree: early bearer; bears fruit uniform in size. Fruit: beautiful golden color; good for cider & fresh eating; aromatic.

Faults: Tree: susceptible to scab. Fruit: tender skin.

Merit or fault?: Tree: ripens over several weeks.

Ratings: AoNY: good to very good; Bull1897: 5-6/D2*; NY1907: *.M.dk [One of the most desirable fall sorts for market]; Ragan: g-vg

Porter

Mass
before 1800

bc bh ng

medium

elongated

bright yellow, with dull orange or red blush; tender skinned

creamy white; texture is fine-grained & moderately juicy

May 16 to May 30; Lowther: May 1-May 8

late Sep

Bud9 (30%)

to z4

Schlabach 2008

Row 7

Merits: Tree: although biennial, still has decent off-year production; late blooming protects it from frost damage. Fruit: prized for pies; retains shape remarkably well.

Faults: Tree: slow to bear; may drop fruit prematurely. Fruit: quickly browning flesh.

Merit or fault?: Tree: ripens over several weeks. Fruit: too tart for fresh eating?; bruises somewhat easily, but tender skin.

Ratings: AoNY: good to vg; Agassiz: vg; Bull1897: 8-9/D2**; NY1907: *.H.dk [Has many merits for home use and local market]; Cole: excellent; Hedrick: best of all yellow fall apples judged on quality of fruit, flavor and aroma; Hooper: 2, deserves a place in every orchard for beauty; UIll: vg to best; Wilkinson: vg to best; specifically recommended by Fannie Farmer for pies; Ragan: vg-b

Saint Edmund's Russet
(St. Edmund's Pippin)

UK
before 1870

ta ng

small to medium

flattish

quite sweet, but balanced: complex flavors

russeting over greenish yellow; thick skinned

pale cream; texture is crisp, fine-grained, & very juicy

May 5 to May 18

late Sep

Antonovka (100%)

z3

St Lawrence
2004

Row 1

Merits: Tree: early bearer; some resistance to scab and cedar apple rust. Fruit: non-browning flesh; prized for fresh eating and cider

Faults: Tree: tip bearer (requires special pruning). Fruit: not a good keeper.

Merit or Fault?: Tree: heavy cropper, but thinning required for good sized fruit. Fruit: russet qualities.

Ratings: Agassiz: nr; in Browning; Potter: among top five; Ragan: not described

Twenty Ounce
(Cayuga Redstreak)

NY
before 1840

ny

very large

roundish, but slightly uneven

brisk sub-acid

greenish yellow, splashed and striped with some red; thick, tough skinned

yellow; texture is coarse & moderately juicy

May 9 to May 16

second or third week of Sept

to z3

Cummins

2008

Row 7

Merits: Tree: bears early & abundantly; bears fruits of uniform large size; fruits hold well to tree. Fruit: excellent keeper for ripening so early; does not bruise easily; premier pie & baking apple; for home & commercial orchards.

Faults: Tree: subject to sun scald, canker, & winter injury. Fruit: not favored for fresh eating.

Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally large; limbs droop rather than spread.

Ratings: AoNY: good for culinary, 2nd rate for fresh; Agassiz: good; Bull1897: 6-7/D2**; NY1907: **.M.k [One of the best of the fall varieites for home or market];Hooper: 2; Wilkinson: g to vg; Moore: favorite for pie; Ragan: g-vg

Color & Texture of Skin & Flesh

Bloom
&
Harvest

Rootstook
&
Hardiness

Source
Year
Location

Merits & Faults

Ratings

medium to large

red dominant over a greenish yellow; moderately tough skinned

white; texture is crisp,fine-grained & juicy

May 8 to May 26

mid Sep

M26 (40%)

to z5

Cummins

2007

Row 6

Merits: Tree: early bearer. Fruit: exceptionally non-browning flesh; holds shape well in baking; high levels of Vitamin C.

Faults: Fruit: flavorless, except for tartness as reported in a couple taste tests.

Rating: special: Mott's valued it enough to purchase exclusive rights to it, I think for the purpose of developing apple slices or chips as a new snack food. With the new name and increased availability in 2009, the exclusivity of the rights must have been modified.

Cox's Orange
(Cox's Orange Pippin)
UK
(Ribston Pippin open pollinated [possibly Blenheim Orange])
before 1825

op ng

medium

wider than classic apple shape

sweet, sprightly, spicy; complex flavors

red over orange with some yellow; tough, but thin skinned

deep cream; texture is moderately fine-grained & juicy

May 10 to May 27

second week of Sept

Cummins

2002
first fruit: 2007

creekside

Merits: Tree: naturaly spreading; widely recommended for both home and coommercial orchards. Fruit: beautiful coloring; non-browning flesh; high quality flavor makes it the favorite fresh eating apple in England.

Faults: Tree: biennial; shy bearer; bears high percentage of misshapen fruits; susceptible to scab, collar rot, mildew & canker. Fruit: subject to cracking; not prized for cooking & baking.

Merit or fault?: Fruit: has reputation in North America of not measuring up to fruit grown in UK.

Ratings: AoNY: vg to best; Agassiz: vg; NY1907: +.H.d [Desirable for the home orchard.]; A21: vg to best; in Browning; Potter: among top five; Ragan: vg

medium

rounder than classic apple shape

yellowis

May 5 to May 16; Lowther: April 27-May 4

first week of Oct

Cummins

Merits: Tree: . Fruit: non-browning flesh.

Faults: Tree: Fruit: .

Merit or fault?: Fruit: too cloyingly sweet for some.

Ratings: A21: vg

Gala
(Kidd's Orange Red x Golden Delicious)
NZ
1934. named in 1965

aa cf op

medium

classic apple shape

mild, sweet

yellowis

h-white; texture is moderately crisp, very fine-grained, & juicy

early [est.]

first or second week of Sept

Cummins

Merits: Tree: resistant to mildew; crops heavily regularly; widely recommended for both home and coommercial orchards. Fruit: has become a new standard for sweet fresh eating apples; holds its shape when cooked.

Faults: Tree: susceptible to scab; requires much thinning for good sized fruit; brittle wood breaks under heavy loads. Fruit: turns mealy when over ripe; too bland when cooked; too bland for good cider.

Merit or fault?: Fruit: .

Ratings: A21: vg to best

Honeycrisp
(Keepsake, open pollinated, not Macoun X Honeygold, as once thought)
Minn.
1991

aa mn

large

classic apple shape

red & orange over yellow, dotted; moderately thick skinned

cream texture is very crisp & coarse

May 12 to May 25

second or third week of Sept

Antonovka (100%)

to z3

Fedco

2004

Row 4

Merits: Tree: very hardy; annual; widely recommended for both home and coommercial orchards in northern climates. Fruit: exceptionally crisp; a new favorite for fresh eating.

Faults: Fruit: not tart enough or right texture for good cooking or baking.

Merit or fault?: Tree: has reputation for being early bearer, but not true in our orchard.

Ratings: A21: vg; special: Minnesota's State Apple.

Jonagold
(Jonathan x Golden Delicious)
NY
1968

aa op

classic apple shape

well-balanced sweet-tart content, but on the sweet side

late Sept into Oct

2009

Row 3

Merits: Tree: heavy cropper of large fruit; somewhat resistant to scab; little pre-harvest drop; widely recommended for both home and coommercial orchards. Fruit: aromatic; slow-browning flesh makes it a good choice for salads; has become a new standard for fresh eating; prized for multiple purposes.

Faults: Tree: triploid (does not pollinate); susceptible to scab, powdery mildew, and several diseases; subject to winter injury. Fruit: soft texture in some climates.

Ratings: in Browning; A21: vg to best; finished first among "The World's Best Commercial Dessert Apples," in a poll of 19 apple experts in 1989.

Color & Texture of Skin & Flesh

Bloom
&
Harvest

Rootstook
&
Hardiness

Source
Year
Location

Merits & Faults

Ratings

King of the Pippins
(King of Pippins, Golden Winter Pearmain)

UK
before 1800

op ng

small to medium

somewhat more elongated than classic apple shape, sometimes lopsided

sweet sharp, vinous, almond-like or nutty; complex flavors

red and orange stripes dominant over yellow; thick skinned

pale cream; texture is crisp, fine-grained, & moderately juicy.

May 11 to June 2

late Sept into Oct

G16 (30%)

to z5

Cummins

2005
first fruit: 2006

Row 2

Merits: Tree: certain & abundant cropper; grows well in many different soils; Fruit: highly aromatic; rich flavor; prized for nutty character in cider blending.

Faults: Fruit: quickly browning flesh.

Merit or fault?: Tree: heavy cropper, but much thinning required for good sized fruit and to prevent biennial bearing; distinctive, sharp flavor does not appeal to everyone.

Ratings: Agassiz: nr; Elliott: unworthy; UIll: good to vg; Ragan: g

Mother
(American Mother)
Mass
before 1850

ta

medium

classic apple shape

yellow, with red stripes; thin skinned

cream; texture is very fine-grained, tender, & juicy

May 11 [est.]; Lowther: May 3-May 10

early Sep

M7 (60%)

to z4

Cummins

2008

Row 7

Merits: Fruit: prized as one of the best tasting fresh eating apples; non-browning flesh; aromatic.

Faults: Tree: slow grower; thinning required for good sized fruit and to prevent biennial bearing. Fruit: does not keep well.

Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally small. Fruit: almost melting flesh

Ratings: AoNY: vg-best; Agassiz: vg; Bull1897: 8-9/D2** [99:D2*]; NY1907: *.H.d [Tree characters poor. Appearance and quality of the best]; in Browning; Cole: has no superior, and few equals, delightful mingling of sub-acid & saccharine; Potter: among top five; Wilkinson: best; Elliot: vg; Hooper: 2; Ragan: b

medium

flattish

pale greenish yellow mottled & streaked with red; thin but tough skinned

yellow; texture is very crisp, moderately fine-grained, & juicy

mid [est.]

late Sep

M111 (80%)

to z5 [marginal for the Finger Lakes]

Merits: Tree: grows well in many different soils; bears fruits uniform in shape and size; very productive. Fruit: prized for fresh eating and cooking; has special aroma; does not bruise easily.

Faults: Tree: biennial; slow grower; of questionable hardiness in northern climate; brittle wood breaks under heavy loads; subject to winter injury. Fruits: not long keeping.

Merit or fault?: Fruit: red color is often dull or lacking.

Ratings: AoNY: good to vg, particularly desirable for dessert; Agassiz: nr; Bull1897: 5-6/D2* [99: 7-8]; NY1907: —.H.d [Tender tree; productive to a fault; excellent quality.]; Cole: one of the finest in the Middle States & the West; Hooper: 1; UIll: very good; Wilkinson: vg; Elliott: has no superior; Ragan: vg. Special: falsely claimed to be favorite apple of Johnny Appleseed, but John Chapman for religious apples shunned varieties perpetuated through grafting. May have been favorite apple of Hoosier poet John Whitcomb Riley, who wrote an ode to the Rambo and mentioned it by name in four other poems.

Wealthy
(Cherry crab open pollinated)
Minn., from Me.
before 1860

mn vt

medium

classic apple shape, slightly ribbed

sub-acid, mild

red stripes over pale greenish yellow; tough, thin skinned

greenish white tinged with pink; texture is moderately crisp, moderately fine-grained, & moderately juicy

May 10 to May 22; Lowther: April 28-May 5

mid Sep to early Oct

Bud118 (90%)

to z3

Cummins

2007

Row 6

Merits: Tree: very hardy (nearly ironclad); early bearer; non-browning flesh. Fruit: does not bruise easily

Faults: Tree: biennial; short lived; thinning required for good sized fruits; may drop fruit prematurely; Fruit: skin can become greasy; susceptible to cedar-apple rust and fireblight.

Merit or fault?: Tree: heavy cropper only when tree is young; ripens over several weeks.

Ratings: AoNY: good to vg; Agassiz: good; Bull1897: 6/D2** [99: 6-7]; NY1907: *.M.dk [** in some other NY regions. ]; Wilkinson: vg; Ragan: vg

Color & Texture of Skin & Flesh

Bloom
&
Harvest

Rootstook
&
Hardiness

Source
Year
Location

Merits & Faults

Ratings

Ashmead's Kernel

UK
before 1700

aa cf op ng

creamy white; texture is coarse & juicy

Antonovka (100%)

to z3

St Lawrence

Merits: Tree: early bearer; resistant to scab, powdery mildew. Fruit: very crisp; very juicy; highly aromatic; prized for tartness in cider blends.

Faults: Tree: thinning required to prevent biennial bearing. Fruit: quickly browning flesh

Merit or fault?: russet qualities.

Ratings: A21:vg to best; Agassiz: nr; Grootendors: "in first rank for the fruit garden"; Potter: in top five; Ragan: g

Briggs Auburn

Me.
before 1850

me

large

flattish

sweet to sub-acid, mild

yellow, blushed; tough skinned

creamy white; texture is moderately coarse & moderately juicy

mid [est.]

early Oct

Antonovka (100%)

to z3

Fedco

2006

Row 3

Merits: Tree: very hardy (nearly ironclad); annual; moderate to heavy cropper. Fruit: good keeper; does not bruise easily; regionally prized for fresh eating.

Faults: Fruit: not highly regarded for cooking or baking.

Rating: Munson: very good; Ragan: g

Calville Blanc d'Hiver
(White WInter Calville)

France
before 1600

op

med

more elongated than classic apple shape, prominently ribbed; often misshaped

rich, sweet, spicy, sprightly; complex flavors

pale yellow tinged with green, with faint blush; speckled; smooth skinned

yellowish-white; texture is crisp, fine-grained, & tender

May 10 to May 26

late Oct

M7 (60%)

to z3

Cummins

2008

Row 7

Merits: Tree: late blooming protects it from frost damage. Fruit: non-browning flesh; very high in Vitamin C.

Faults: Tree: slow to bear, slower to bear good quality fruit; shy bearer; requires long season. Fruit: tender skin.

Merit or Fault: Fruit: odd shape; can look blemished when it is not; optimum flavor develops after storager.

Ratings: Agassiz: good; Elliott: unworthy; in Browning; Grootendors: "one of our all time favorites for dessert and for all culinary uses"; Ragan: p

Golden Russet
(possibly English Russet seedling)
[of several apples called Golden Russet, the one that remains (at least most commonly) was formerly known as the Golden Russet of Western New York]
NY before 1750

cf ng

sweet, sprightly; complex flavors

cream; texture is tender & juicy

to z4

2004
first fruit: 2007

Rows 1 & 3

Merits: Tree: annual, naturally spreading; heavy cropper; some resistance to scab and cedar apple rust; bears fruit of uniform large size; fruits tolerate fall frosts and mild freezes. Fruit: does not bruise easily; prized as one of few varieties recommended for unblended cider; high in sugar and Vitamin C.

Faults: Tree: tip bearer; since blooms early but requires long season, can be challenged by frost in both spring & fall. Fruit: not pretty; quickly browning flesh.

Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally large. Fruit: russet quality.

Ratings: AoNY: vg  to best; Agassiz: vg; Bull1897: 8-9/D2*; NY1907: *.HM.dkc [Fruit small, hard to pick, very late, of excellent quality]; in Browning; Hooper: 1; Wilkinson: g to best

Grimes Golden

WV
before 1800

cf op ng

medium (or smaller in NY)

classic apple shape, slightly ribbed

sweet; but complex, intense flavor

Merits: Tree: annual; good pollinator; often heavy cropper; moderately resistant to fire blight & cedar-apple rust. Fruit: does not bruise easily; beautful rich golden color; aromatic

Faults: Tree: slow to mature; may drop fruit prematurely; fruit not uniform in size; quality variable due to soil and climate (reputation poorer in north), susceptible to scald; subject to collar rot. Fruit: very susceptable to bruise marks; doesn't keep long before going soft.

Ratings: AoNY: vg to best; Agassiz: vg; Bull1897: 7-9/D2* [99: 9-10/D2**]; NY1907: —.HM.dk [* in Hudson Valley region. Beautiful and of high quality but not adapted to latitude of New York]; UIll: one of the best; Wilkinson: vg to best; Ragan: vg-b; A21: vg to best

Newtown Pippin (Albemarle Pippin, Yellow Newtown)
NY
before 1760

aa cf

medium to large

irregular

subacid to tart, sprightly

greenish yellow, dotted, often russeted; tough skin

cream to greenish white; texture is crisp, moderately fine-grained

May 8 [est.]; Lowther: April 29-May 6

Bud9 (30%)

to z5

Cummins

2007

Row 6

Merits: Tree: tends toward biennial; fruits hang on trees for long time. Fruit: does not bruise easily; prized for its clear juice in cider making.

Faults: Tree: slow to mature; weak grower; quality variable depending on soil; susceptible to scab, mildew. Fruit: not pretty, but today's standards; very quickly browning flesh.

Merit or Fault?: Tree: bears fruits of variable size and color; early bearer or slow to mature (reports very). Fruit: optimum flavor develops after storage.

Ratings: AoNY: best; Agassiz: vg; Bull1897: 10/D2* [99:8-9]; NY1907: —.HM.dk [** in Hudson Valley region. Standard in quality. Succeeds in certain localities only]; in Browning; Wilkinson: vg to best; Grootendors: "fully merits [Beach's best] rating"; Hooper: 1; Ragan: Green=b, Yellow=vg-b; A21: best

Color & Texture of Skin & Flesh

Bloom
&
Harvest

Rootstook
&
Hardiness

Source
Year
Location

Merits & Faults

Ratings

Pitmaston Pine Apple
(English Golden Pippin seedling)
UK
before 1785

ta

small

elongated, tapered

sweet, sprightly

golden, russeted; rough, thick skinned

yellow; texture is crisp & fine-grained

G16 (30%)

to z5 (but sources differ widely)

Cummins

2006

Row 5

Merits: Fruit: very juicy; highly aromatic; prized for rich, sweet flavoring in cider.

Faults: Tree: shy to moderate cropper. Fruit: goes mealy quickly

Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally small tree; Fruit: russet qualities; small; subject to sweet water core [provides special burst of flavor, but lead to decay at core].

Ratings: Agassiz: nr; Ragan: [described but not rated]

Rhode Island Greening

RI
before 1650

aa ta ng

large

somewhat flattish

tart, sprightly

grass green with late developing yellow tinge & occasional bright cheek, dotted, slight bloom; moderately thick skinned

greenish-yellow; texture is crisp, tender, & juicy

May 11 to May 22; Lowther: April 29-May 5

M7 (60%)

to z4

Cummins

2005

Row 5

Merits: Tree: reliably heavy cropper; bears fruits uniform in shape and large size; long lived; once second leading apple variety grown in New York State. Fruit: very juicy; aromatic; keeps well even in less than ideal conditions (except for some scalding).

Faults: Tree: triploid (does not pollinate), slow to mature; biennial; may drop fruit prematurely; susceptible to scab, mildew, cankers. Fruit: bruises easily.

Merit or Fault?: Tree: naturally spreading and droopy, but crooked growth. Fruit: waxy skin.

Ratings: AoNY: vg, Bull1897: 7/D2** [99: 7-8]; NY1907: **.M.dk [Standard green apple in New York. Second in commercial importance]; Hooper: 1 (but variable with location); Wilkinson: vg; A21: vg

Roxbury Russet

Mass.
before 1650 [1st recorded North American cultivar]

cf ng

med-large

irregular, slightly ribbed

sub-acid to tart

green brown russet; rough, thick skinned

quickly browning cream; texture is moderately coarse & juicy

May 6 to May 23; Lowther: April 29-May 6

M7 (60%)

to z4

Cummins

2004
first fruit: 2007

Row 4

Merits: Tree: keeps well even in less than ideal storage; resistant to scab & cedar apple rust; once fifth leading apple variety grown in New York State. Fruit: prized for rich flavoring & high sugar content for cider.

Faults: Tree: biennial; often a shy bearer; quality variable due to soil and climate; fruit subject to cracking; may drop fruit prematurely. Fruit: quickly browning flesh; rough skin is not attractive.

Merit or fault?: Fruit: russet quality; coarse flesh; does not bruise easily, but tough skin.

Ratings: AoNY: good to vg; Agassiz: nr; Bull1897: 7-8/D2** [99: 6-7]; NY1907: **.M.dk [A leading commerical variety. Standard of its class]; in Browning; Hooper: 3 for table, 1 to 2 for cooking; Wilkinson: g to vg; Grootendors: "shows an austere perfection and refinement of flavor"; A21: good to vg

Tolman Sweet
(Tallman Sweeting)

Mass.
before 1860

vt

medium

classic apple shape

decidedly sweet

pale yellow, with distinct brown line from top to bottom; tough skinned

yellowish white; texture is between soft & crisp, between dry & juicy, & moderately fine-grained

mid [est.]; Lowther: April 29-May 7

mid Oct

G11 (40%)

to z3

2009

Merits: Tree: Hardy [nearly ironclad]; early bearer; reliable cropper. Fruit: prized among sweet apples for fresh eating; once among top ten leading apple varieties grown in New York State.

Faults: Fruit: quickly browning flesh; varies in keeping quality.

Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally small.

Ratings: AoNY: g to vg; Agassiz: good; Bull1897: 6-7/D2**; NY1907: *.H.dk [** in northern NY regions.]; Hooper: 1: Wilkinson: vg; Ragan: g.

Yellow Bellflower
(Yellow Belle Fleur)

NJ
before 1800

bc ta

medium to v. large

distinctively elongated,
ribbed

briskly tart, then sub-acid

pale yellow with brownish blush; thin, tender skinned

yellowish white; texture is crisp, fine-grained, & juicy

May 7 [est.]; Lowther: April 26-May 3

early Oct

Antonovka (100%)

to z5

Merits: Fruit: valued for multiple purposes; prized for the zing it can bring to cider blends.

Faults: Tree: slow grower; shy cropper; bears fruits variable in size; may drop fruit prematurely; susceptible to scab; quality variable due to soil. Fruit: bruises easily; quickly browning flesh.

Merit or fault?: Fruit: tart when first picked [ideal for baking], but mellows and sweetens in storage..

Ratings: AoNY: vg to best; Agassiz: good; Bull1897: 7-8/D2** [99: 8-9/D2*]; NY1907: *.LM.k [Valuable in some districts.]; Hooper: 1; Ragan: vg

Color & Texture of Skin & Flesh

Bloom
&
Harvest

Rootstook
&
Hardiness

Source
Year
Location

Merits & Faults

Ratings

Baldwin (Woodpecker)

Mass.
before 1740

aa ta

large

classic apple shape

pleasant, well-balanced sweet-tart content

multiple shades of red stripes & mottling, dominant over yellow; tough skinned

white tinged with green; texture is moderately coarse & very juicy;

May 10 [est.]; Lowther: April 27-May 1

mid to late Oct

Fedco

2004

Row 1

Merits: Tree: heavy cropper; long lived; grows well on a variety of soils; bears fruit of uniform large size; once leading apple variety grown in New York & other northern states. Fruit: keeps well; does not bruise easily; attractive in shape & color; prized for quality for multiple purposes; revered for excellence as cider base.

Faults: Tree: biennial; triploid (does not pollinate); below average for Northern tree in hardiness; susceptible to scab.

Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally large; occasionally a moderate cropper on off years.

Ratings: AoNY: good to very good; Agassiz: good; Bull1897: 5-6/D2* [99: D2**]; NY1907: **.M.dk [Standard winter apple of New York.]; Hooper: 1 (where it succeeds); Wilkinson: vg; Ragan: vg; Special: America's first dominant commercial variety (for more than 75 years).

Black Oxford

Me.
before 1790

me

small to medium

classic apple shape

mild, sub-acid to tart

deep purple, blue bloom, dotted; tough skinned

greenish white; texture is crisp, very firm, and between dry & juicy

May 13 to May 28

late Oct

Fedco

2004

Row 3

Merits: Tree: annual; disease resistant; late blooming protects it from frost damage; fruits tolerate fall frosts and mild freezes. Fruit: handsome dark color.

Faults: its hard flesh earned it the nickname “the rock.”

Ratings: Agassiz: nr; Munson: good; Ragan: g

Blue Pearmain

New England
early 1800s

aa ng

large

flattish, but variable & irregular; some ribbing

sweet, with some sub-acid, mild, pleasant

deep red yellow, blue bloom, dotted; tough skinned

creamy yellow; texture is coarse, moderately juicy, & moderately soft.

May 9 to May 27

mid Oct

St Lawrence

2004

Row 3

Merits: Tree: very hardy; long lived. Fruit: handsome coloring; does not bruise easily; aromatic.

Faults: Tree: slow to bear. Fruit: not crisp.

Merit or fault: mixed reports on bearing, shy or productive.

Ratings: AoNY: good; Agassiz: good; Elliott: vg; Bull1897: 6/D2**; NY1907: —.H.dk [* in northern NY region. [An old hardy variety now rarely planted in New York] Wilkinson: vg; Ragan: vg; special: featured in Thoreau's essay "Wild apples"

Connell Red
(Red Fireside)

(thought to be red sport of Fireside (McIntosh x Longfield)), but may be open pollenated Fireside, discovered in Wisc. in 1956

mn

very large to huge

classic apple shape

flavorful, well-balanced sweet-tart content

red, with waxy bloom; moderately thick skinned.

white; texture is crisp & fine-grained.

mid [est.]

mid Oct

Antonovka (100%)

to z4

St Law

2009

Merits: Tree: heavy cropper; fruits tolerate fall frosts and mild freezes; resistant to scab, cedar apple rust and fireblight; widely recommended for both home and coommercial orchards. Fruit: very aromatic; prized for fresh eating & cider.

Faults: Tree: triploid (does not pollinate); produces fruits of non-uniform size. Fruit: subject to cracking; quickly browning flesh: skin can become greasy.

Merit or fault: Tree: usually, but unreliably annual.

Rating: top pick at taste test held at Cooperative Extension in Ithaca, 2007.

Esopus Spitzenberg
NY
before 1790

cf op ta ng

med-large

classic apple shape, but blocky & slightly ribbed

sprightly; well-balanced sweet-tart content; complex flavors

dark red stripes over red, dominant over some yellow, dotted, slight bloom; tough skinned.

deep cream; texture is crisp, fine-grained, & juicy

May 10 to May 16; Lowther: April 27-May 3

mid Oct

Cummins

2006
& 2007

Rows 4 & 5

Merits: Tree: bears fruit of uniform size; once among top ten leading apple varieties grown in New York State. Fruit: unexcelled in rich, spicy, exceedingly high flavor; attractive in shape & color; does not bruise easily; non-browning flesh

Faults: Tree: slow to bear; biennial; shy to moderate bearer; susceptible to canker, scab & fire blight; quality variable due to soil and climate -- requires rich, fertile soil.

Merit or fault?: Fruit: ripens over several weeks; subject to sweet water core [provides special burst of flavor, but lead to decay at core].

Ratings: AoNY: vg to best; Agassiz: vg; Bull1897: 10/D2* [99: D2**]; NY1907: *.HM.dk [** in some other regions. Lacks vigor. Uncertain poductiveness. Standard in quality. Adapted to some localities]; A21: vg to best; in Browning; Hooper: 1 to 2; Wilkinson: vg to best; Grootendors: "one of the best to eat out of hand"; Ragan: b; special: planted by T. Jefferson, Washington Irving & G. Washington

Haralson
(Malinda x Wealthy)
Minn
1913

mn

medium

somewhat more elongated than classic apple shape

tart, then sub-acid

red & red stripes over yellow, dotted; moderately thick skinned

white; texture is crisp & firm

May 6 to May 24

early Oct

Cummins

2002
first fruit: 2006

Creekside

Merits: Tree: early bearer, heavy cropper of good sized fruit; moderately resistant to fireblight. Fruit: very good for multiple purposes; prized as a good cider base.

Faults: Tree: susceptible to cedar-apple rust &scab. Fruit: subject to cracking & russeting under humid conditions.

Merit or fault: Tree: heavy cropper, but thinning required for good sized fruit and to prevent biennial bearing. Fruit: does not bruise easily, but tough skin; tart when first picked [ideal for baking], but mellows and sweetens in storage; subject to sweet water core [provides special burst of flavor, but lead to decay at core].

Color & Texture of Skin & Flesh

Bloom
&
Harvest

Rootstook
&
Hardiness

Source
Year
Location

Merits & Faults

Ratings

Holstein
(Holsteiner Cox)
(Cox's Orange x unknown)
Germany
1918

op

large

wider than classic apple shape

sweet, sprightly, spicy; complex flavors

bright red over orange with some yellowtough, but moderately thin skinned

deep yellow with tinge of orange texture is moderately coarse & juicy

May 8 to May 30

early Oct

Merits: Tree: resistant to scab. Fruit: non-browning flesh; prized for fresh eating and cider; shares many qualities of Cox's Orange, but is larger size.

Faults: Tree: biennial; susceptible to scab and canker. Fruit: subject to cracking.

Ratings: Grootendors: "unblemished fruit of equally exquisite flavor"; Special: in a Danish five-year study published in 2003 that tested organically grown, unsprayed trees, the Holsteiner Cox was the only variety of 14 that combined high yield, good fruit size and good eating quality with an acceptably low susceptibility to disease.

Hubbardston Nonesuch

Mass.
before 1830

aa ta

large

sweet with some sub-acid, sprightly

dull brownish or bright red over yellow, dotted, some russet; rough, thick skinned.

pale cream; texture is moderately soft & juicy

May 6 to May 28; Lowther: April 28-May 5

Cummins

Row 4

Merits: Tree: early bearer; heavy cropper; annual; once among top ten leading apple varieties grown in New York State. Fruit: prized for fresh eating & cider; natural gloss gives handsome appearance; slow-browning flesh makes it a good choice for salads; very juicy.

Faults: Tree: bears fruit of various sizes and coloring; thinning required for good sized fruit & to prevent biennial bearing; susceptible to winter injury; subject to collar rot; may drop fruit prematurely. Fruit: "hammered" skin can become greasy; not prized for pies & other baking; loses flavor in storage.

Ratings: AoNY: very good to best; Agassiz: nr; Bull1897: 8-9/D2**; NY1907: **.M.dk [Tree productive, not hardy. Fruit handsome and of highest quality.]; Cole: excellent; UIll: very good; Wilkinson: vg

Keepsake
(MN 447 [Malinda open pollinated] X Northern Spy)
Minn. 1936, released 1979

mn

small to medium

irregularly shaped

subacid to tart, sprightly

red stripes over yellow; slight bloom; thick skinned.

creamy yellow; texture is crisp & coarse.

May 7 to May 22

Cummins

2005
first fruit: 2007

Row 5

Merits: Tree: annual somewhat resistant to fire blight, scab & cedar apple rust; fruits tolerate fall frosts and mild freezes. Fruit: non-browning flesh.

Faults: Fruit: not pretty.

Ratings: A21: good to vg

Kidd's Orange Red
(Cox's Orange Pippin x Red Delicious)
NZ
1924

op

medium to large

somewhat elongated, slightly ribbed

well-balanced sweet-tart content, sprightly

yellow crimson, dotted, occasionally russeting; thick skinned

deep cream; texture is fine-grained & firm.

May 8 to May 24

Cummins

Row 5

Merits: Tree: annual (if thinned); some resistance to fireblight & scab. Fruit: very juicy; non-browning flesh

Faults: Tree: susceptible to scab & canker; requires thinning for large sized fruit; best suited in climate warmer than the Finger Lakes. Fruit: dull colored; has tendency to russet

Merit or fault: slow to bear or precocious (depending on source)

Ratings: A21: vg

King David

Ark.
before 1890

ta

medium

round

very rich, sprightly, spicy; complex flavors

dark red very dominant over hint of green; tough, thin skinned

yellow; texture is crisp, firm, & very juicy.

late [est.]

late Oct

Merits: Tree: bears early; late blooming protects it from frost damage; bears fruits uniform in size & shape; fruits hang on trees for long time; fruits tolerate fall frosts and mild freezes. Fruit: natural gloss gives handsome appearance; does not bruise easily; aromatic.

Faults: Tree: requires long season.

Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally large. Fruit: coarse flesh; subject to sweet water core [provides special burst of flavor, but lead to decay at core].

Ratings: NY Bulletin 385 [suppl to AoNY]: good to vg; in Browning.

King of Tompkins County
(King, Tompkins King)
NY
before 1800

bc op

large to very large

classic apple shape, slightly ribbed

well-balanced sweet-tart content, but sweeter than tart

yellow orange red, with bloom; smooth, moderately thick skin.

yellow; texture is crisp, moderately coarse, & juicy.

May 6 to May 23; Lowther: April 29-May 5

Cummins

2005

Row 2

Merits: Tree: annual; naturally spreading; once fourth leading apple variety grown in New York State. Fruit:

Faults: Tree: triploid (does not pollinate; although has some self-fertility)slow to bear; may drop fruit prematurely; susceptible to mildew & scab; subject to collar rot. Fruit: waxy skin becomes greasy in storage.

Merit or fault?: Fruit: subject to sweet water core. [provides special burst of flavor, but lead to decay at core]

Ratings: AoNY: very good to best; Bull1897: 8-9/D2**; NY1907: **.M.dk [Were the tree hardier, healthier, longer lived, and more productive, it would be more commonly grown]; Wilkinson: vg; Grootendors: "brings back childhood memories of the way a real apple ought to taste"; Ragan: vg-b.

Color & Texture of Skin & Flesh

Bloom
&
Harvest

Rootstook
&
Hardiness

Source
Year
Location

Merits & Faults

Ratings

Liberty
(Macoun X PRI 54-12)
NY
1962

cf

small to medium

classic apple shape, but
variable

mild, sweet with some subacid

red very dominant over yellow, slight bloom; thin skinned

white; texture is crisp, fine-grained, & moderately juicy.

May 3 to May 20

early Oct

Antonovka (100%)

to z4

Fedco

2004
first fruit: 2007

Row 4

Merits: Tree: annual; heavy cropper; very resistant to disease. Fruit: very crisp; good for multiple purposes; considered by many to be highest quality of the varieties bred for disease resistance.

Faults: Tree: may drop fruit prematurely; somewhat susceptible to powdery mildew. Fruit: has milder flavor than its non-disease-resistant parents; goes mealy & mushy quickly when overripe.

Merit or fault?: Fruit: slightly coarse flesh; optimum flavor develops after storage.

Ratings: A21: vg

large

flattish, faintly ribbed

sub-acid

red splashed over light yellow, some russet; tough, thin skinned

cream; juicy; texture is moderately fine-grained & very juicy

mid [est.]

early Oct

M111 (80%)

to z3

Cummins

2008

Row 7

Merits: Tree: very hardy (ironclad).

Faults: Tree: tends toward biennial.

Merit or fault?: Fruit: peculiar flavor liked by some, disliked by others; quality may be good only compared to other hardy trees.

Ratings: AoNY: good; Agassiz: medium; Bull99: 7-8/D2..; NY1907: —H.k [Not valuable enough to retain.]; Wilkinson: good; Hedrick (in 1922): has been on probation for nearly a half a century, but of unquestionable excellence as a culinary apple; Ragan: [described but not rated]

Northern Spy
(thought to be Wagener open pollinated)
NY
before 1800

aa ta ng

large

classic apple shape, slightly ribbed

well-balanced sweet-tart content, but tarter than sweet, sprightly

multiple shades of red over a pale yellow, bloom; thin skinned

pale cream; texture is crisp & fine grained.

May 15 to June 2; Lowther: May 2-May 9

M9 (30%)

to z4

Cummins

2004

Row 4

Merits: Tree: very hardy (nearly ironclad); late blooming protects it from frost damage; reliable bearer; long lived; once third leading apple variety grown in New York State. Fruit: aromatic; classic apple flavor; natural gloss gives handsome appearance; prized for multiple purposes, especially pies.

Faults: Tree: slow to mature; susceptible to scab, bitter pit; quality variable due to soil; irregular bearer. Fruit: subject to cracking; susceptable to bruise marks.

Merit or fault?: Fruit: bruises easily, but stores well if careful packed.

Ratings: AoNY: vg to best; Agassiz: vg; Bull1897: 8-9/D2**; NY1907: **.M.dk [Tardy bearer. Vigorous. Highest quality. Succeeds only on certain localities]; Wilkinson: vg to best; Hooper: 2; Ragan: vg-b; A21: vg to best

Redfield
(Wolf River x Niedzwetzskayana Red Crab)
NY
1933

ng

medium to large

round

tart, sharp, with some bitterness

white & red; texture is moderately dry

?

mid Oct

Merits: Tree: very hardy (ironclad). Fruit: red juice, excellent for colorful cider blending; makes good tasting, eye catching pies.

Faults: Tree: not highly productive, doesn't keep long. Fruit: poor eating quality; quickly browning flesh

Smokehouse
(Vandevere seedling?)
Pa.
1837

cf ng

large

somewhat flattish

mild, sweet, with only slight tartness

dull red, yellow, dotted; tough, but thin skinned

yellow; texture is crisp, fine-grained, & juicy

May 3 to May 24; Lowther: April 25-May 4

Cummins

2005

Row 5

Merits: Tree: annual; early bearer; holds fruit well; some resistance to fireblight. Fruit: does not bruise easily; prized as a multi-purpose apple; prized a cider base.

Faults: Tree: susceptible to apple scab. Fruit: flavor described as too mild or lacking high character in some taste tests; can go mealy.

Merit or fault?: Tree: naturally spreading, but crooked growth and dense head provide extra pruning challenge; heavy cropper, but thinning required for large sized fruit.

Ratings: AoNY: good; Agassiz: good; Bull1897: 5-6/D2** [99: 6-7/D2*]; NY1907: —.H.dk [Its cultivation is not being extended in New York.]; Hooper: 2 to 1; Ragan: g

Starkey
(Moses Starkey)
(RIbston Pippin seedling)
Me.
before 1820

me

medium

round

subacid, sprightly

red crimson, dotted; tough, but thin skinned

pale cream; texture is tender & juicy

mid [est.]

Fedco

2006

Row 3

Merits: Tree: early bearer. Fruit: highly regarded regionally for fresh eating.

Faults: Tree: biennial.

Ratings: AoNY: very good; Bull1897: 8/D2** [99: D2_]; NY1907: —.M.d [+ in several regions. Appears to be worthy of testing for the North]; Munson: very good; Ragan: listed, but quality not rated.

Color & Texture of Skin & Flesh

Bloom
&
Harvest

Rootstook
&
Hardiness

Source
Year
Location

Merits & Faults

Ratings

Stayman
(Stayman's Winesap)
(Winesap open pollinated)
Kansas
before 1875

aa cf ta

medium to large

classic apple shape

tart, with some sweetness; wine-like

red bloom or stripes over green, dotted; tough, moderately thick skinned

greenish yellow; texture is moderately fine, tender, & juicy

May 8 to May 30

Cummins

2004

Row 4

Merits: Tree: heavy cropper; resistance to scab, cedar apple rust and fireblight. Fruit: does not bruise easily; prized for larger size and sweeter flavor, but other good qualities of Winesap; prized for cider.

Faults: Tree: triploid (does not pollinate), unreliably annual; requires long season. Fruit: dull color; quickly browning flesh; subject to cracking.

Ratings: AoNY: good to vg; Bull99: 8-9/D2..; NY1907: —.M.d [Not adapted to New York conditions]; in Browning; Wilkinson: vg; Ragan: vg-b; A21: vg

Striped Harvey

Maine
before 1800

me

medium

classic apple shape

sprightly tart

yellow with red stripes

yellow

mid [est.]

late Oct

St Lawrence

2009

Row 5

Merits: Tree: very hardy (nearly ironclad). Fruit: rich, well blended flavor.

Faults: Tree: requires long season.

Ratings: Ragan: listed under Harvey Stripe, but not described nor rated.

Wagener

NY
before 1790

ta

medium to large

flattish, ribbed

sprightly, well-balanced sweet-tart content

yellow crimson, bloom

pale cream tinged with yellow; texture is very crisp, very tender & juicy.

May 4 to May 16; Lowther: April 28-May 6

Cummins

2007

Row 6

Merits: Tree: naturally dwarfing, early bearer, heavy cropper (when young); fruits hang on trees for long time; nearly scab proof; once among top ten leading apple varieties grown in New York State.

Faults: Tree: biennial; tip bearer; susceptible to mildew, apple scald; short-lived. Fruit: skin can become greasy.

Ratings: AoNY: vg to best; Agassiz: vg; Bull1897: 8-9/D2* [99:7-8]; NY1907: *.M.d [Attractive and high quality]; Wilkinson: vg to best; Ragan: vg-b.

Westfield Seek No Further
(Westfield, Seek No Further, Seek)

Mass.
before 1800

ta

medium

round, but irregular; slightly ribbed

sweet with some sharp, sprightly, nutty; complex flavors

white tinged with yellow; texture is fine & tender.

May 8 to May 19

St Lawrence

2004

Row 2

Merits: Tree: heavy cropper. Fruit: fresh; prized for sweet/sharp kick it provides in cider blending

Faults: Fruit: dull coloring; not recommended for cooking; doesn't keep well

Merit or fault: Fruit: has unique aroma; taste is too astringent for some

Ratings: AoNY: vg to best; Agassiz: nr; Bull1897: 8-9/D2* [99: D2**]; NY1907: *.M.d [Tree qualities good. Uncertain in adaptibility. A favorite dessert apple.]; UIll: vg to best (one of 17 of "greatest promise for general usefulness"); Wilkinson: vg to best; Ragan: vg-b.

Winesap

USA, possibly VA or NJ
before 1800

cf ng

small to medium

classic apple shape

sprightly tart, wine-like, less sweet than Stayman; somewhat astringent

two shades of deep red very dominant over yellow; tough, moderately thin skinned

greenish yellow; texture is crisp, fine, & very juicy.

May 10 [est.]; Lowther: April 29-May 5

late Oct

Century

2009

Row 6

Merits: Tree: early bearer; fruit hangs well; resistance to scab, cedar apple rust and fireblight. Fruit: aromatic; does not bruise easily; prized for its tart, wine-like flavor, especially in cider.

Faults: Tree: triploid (does not pollinate); extra thinning required to prevent overbearing. Fruit: quickly browning flesh; fruit subject to small cracking.

Merit or fault?: Tree: young trees are reliable & heavy cropper; but decline noticeable in reliability & fruit size as trees age; irregular, straggling growth.

Ratings: AoNY: good to vg; Agassiz: nr; Bull1897: 7-8/D2** [99: D2*]; NY1907: —.M.d [Both tree qualities and fruit poor in New York]; Hooper: 2 to 1; UIll: very good; Wilkinson: vg; Ragan: vg.

Color & Texture of Skin & Flesh

Bloom
&
Harvest

Rootstook
&
Hardiness

Source
Year
Location

Merits & Faults

Ratings

small (but large for a crab)

flattish

sweet sharp, nut-like

yellow orange with red stripes, some russeting, bloom

yellow

May 7 to May 16

early Sep

Bud118 (90%)

to z3

Cummins

2007

Row 7

Merits: Tree: annual, good pollinator; resistant to cedar rust. Fruit: prized for cider blending & jelly; very juicy.

Faults: Fruit: quickly browning flesh.

Ratings: in Browning.

Dolgo
(Siberian crab open pollinated)
Russia
before 1750

mn ng

small

olive shaped tart,

sprightly

bright red

deep yellow stained with red

April 30 to May 16

Au

G16 (30%)

to z3

Cummins

2007

Row 3

Merits: Tree: naturally spreading; early pollinator; resistant to scab & many diseases; may be somewhat insect resistant. Fruit: prized for jelly, cider blending.

Faults: Fruit: quickly browning flesh

Merit or Fault?: Tree: naturally small; has white, not light pink, blossoms.

Hewes
(Virginia Crab)
Virginia
before 1770

cf ng

small

round

tart, musky, moderately
astringent

yellow red

yellow tinged with red

May 9 to May 19

late Augto mid Sep

G30 (50%)

to z5

Merits: Tree: very hardy; heavy cropper; good pollenator. Fruit: prized for tartness in cider blending.

Faults: Fruit: can turn dry and mealy quickly; quickly browning flesh

Merit or Fault?: Tree: naturally small.

Rating: Bull1897: 2/D2*; in Browning; UIll: good only for cider. Special: Thomas Jefferson's recommended apple for cider

Hyslop
(unknown parentage)
before 1870

ea ng

small

round

tart, moderately
astringent

dull red, some yellow

yellow tinged with red

May 2 to May 19

late Augto mid Sep

Antonovka (100%)

to z3

St Lawrence

2005
first fruit: 2007

Row 2

Merits: Tree: good pollinator; heavy cropper. Fruit: prized for jelly; very juicy.

Faults: Tree: tends toward biennial. Fruit: can turn dry and mealy quickly

Merit or fault?: Tree: moderate resistance to fire blight or very subs to fire blight?

Rating: Bull1897: 3/D2**; NY1907: *.M.k [Widely and deservedly cultivated for home and market. Culinary.