Apple Variety Descriptions (S-Y)

Saint Edmund's Pippin ( Saint Edmund's Russet) - An old classic English dessert apple that ranks among the best for fresh eating. It originated with a Mr. R. Harvey of Suffolk, England, and was recognized as a high quality fruit by the Royal Horticultural Society in 1875. Though not attractive with thin, scaly, patches of russet, the flavor has been described as being like "pear flavored vanilla ice cream." Fruit is yellow-gold with large, diffuse patches of light brown russet. Cream-colored flesh is rich, juicy, and sweet. Ripens September to October.

Salome - Originated around 1853 in Ottawa, Illinois and first propagated by Mr. E.C. Hatheway. He exhibited the apple in 1878 before the Illinois State Horticultural Society where it was introduced to the public as Salome. It has a very good flavor, but its relatively small size and poor color contributed to its general lack of popularity. Fruit is medium to small, conical, and often ribbed. The smooth, tough yellow skin is mottled and blushed with pinkish-red and carmine striping. The yellowish flesh is firm, fine-grained, crisp, and juicy. Ripens in November.

Sam Young ( Irish Russet) - An old apple of Irish origin which first received attention in England in 1818. Calhoun indicates that Sam Young was listed with two North Carolina nurseries from 1856 to 1860. Fruit is small with bright yellow skin covered with gray russet and having an occasional orange flush. The greenish flesh is juicy and tender. Ripens late November to December.

Schell (Shell, Schull) - Schell is an apple of West Virginia origin described in 1839 and once sold by the Fruitland Nursery of Augusta, Georgia in 1871. Fruit is medium-sized, round, and occasionally lobed. Skin is clear yellow, sometimes with a pink blush on the sunny side. The fine-grained yellow flesh is crisp, juicy, and very aromatic. Ripens September to October.

Scott's Winter (Scott's Red Winter, Wilcox’s Winter) - Scott's Winter originated in 1864 on the Scott farm of Newport, Vermont. It is an attractive red apple well-suited for cooking when underripe due to its high acid content. When fully ripe, it is a very fine dessert apple with a well-balanced flavor. Fruit size is about medium with a slightly conical form. The thin, smooth skin is greenish-yellow, mostly covered with bright deep-red mottling and overlaid with darker red striping. The yellowish flesh is sometimes stained with red and is crisp, tender and very juicy. An aromatic apple ripening November to December and keeping until April.

Shenandoah - This is a very fine, but little known apple of recent origin, introduced in 1967. Named for the apple growing region of West Virginia, Shenandoah is a cross of Opalescent and Winesap and is a richly flavored apple somewhat reminiscent of Golden Delicious. It is aromatic, crisp and quite juicy. Highly recommended for pie making as the cut slices hold their shape well when cooked. Ripens in early October and keeps moderately well.
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Shockley (Waddell Hall, Horse Bud, Dixie) - Shockley is one of the all-time Southern favorites once grown from Virginia to Georgia. It originated with Mr. Shockley of Jackson County, Georgia in 1852 and was first exhibited at the Georgia State Fair that same year. It is an abundant and dependable bearer which grows well under all climatic and soil conditions. Fruit medium or smaller and rather oblong conical. The smooth, tough, pale yellow skin is mostly covered with bright red or crimson. The yellowish-white flesh is crisp, juicy, and sweet. Ripens October to November. Fruit Picture Bloom Picture

Smith's Cider (Cider, Cider Apple, Popular Bluff) - An excellent cider apple that is also very good for eating out-of-hand. Believed to have originated in Bucks County, Pennsylvania in the 1800's. Fruit is medium to large with smooth, tough yellow skin mostly covered with pale red. The yellowish-tinged flesh is tender, breaking, and very juicy. Ripens late in the season and does not keep well.

Smith Seedling - This apple arose with the Smith family of Francisco in Stokes County, North Carolina before the start of the Civil War. It was grown commercially by Garland Smith around 1900 in a large orchard containing over 2000 trees. The apples were sold by Mr. Smith in the Mt. Airy and the Winston-Salem areas and were popular for producing cider vinegar. According to Calhoun in his wonderful book, an ancestor of Mr. Smith describes Smith Seedling as "a very tasty apple, a good keeper, and especially good to fry since they don’t cook to a mush." The fruit is medium-sized and slightly flattened on the ends. The skin is light green in color, with a dark-red blush on the sunny side and overlaid with darker red striping. Flesh is yellowish, fine-grained, crisp and juicy. Ripens October and is a good keeper. Fruit Picture

Smokehouse (Gibbons Smokehouse, Mill Creek, Red Vandevere) - A wonderful and very flavorful apple that originated in the 1830's with William Gibbons of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The original tree grew up near the smokehouse of Mr. Gibbons and thus its name was derived. Besides its excellent eating qualities, Smokehouse is a fine cooking and baking apple. The apple has greenish-yellow skin covered with shades and stripes of red. Flesh is yellowish, crisp and firm with a pleasing spicy flavor. Ripens September or later depending on the locale.

Snow (Fameuse, Red American, Royal Snow) - A very old and very attractive red apple brought to America in the 1700's by early French settlers. Beach describes Snow as one of the most desirable dessert apples of its season. It is indeed a very high quality dessert apple, but does not have the qualities of a fine cooking apple. Fruit is medium-sized with smooth greenish-yellow skin mostly covered with a deep red blush and lighter red striping. The juicy, aromatic flesh is very tender and very white. Ripens September to October and is a good keeper. Bloom Picture Fruit Picture

Sops of Wine (Bell’s Favorite, Bell's Early, Hominy, Sops in Wine) - Formerly sold in the South as Hominy, Sops of Wine is described as an excellent early summer apple which grows well in all regions of the South. Its exact origins are unclear, but Beach (1905) says it is an ancient English culinary and cider apple. Fruit medium to large, slightly conical, with greenish-yellow skin covered with dark red and faint red striping. Flesh is yellow and often stained with pink, tender, aromatic, and not very juicy. Ripens late June to July, later in the mountains.
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Sparger (Sparger Smokehouse) - This is an excellent keeping apple of North Carolina origin. It sprouted from seeds of a Limbertwig near the smokehouse on the farm of Merlin Sparger of Mt. Airy, North Carolina at the end of the 19th century. Fruit is medium or smaller with thick green skin with red and purple striping on the sunny side. Flesh is greenish in color, firm and juicy. Ripens in October and is a superb keeper.

Spencer - Although not exactly an antique or heirloom variety, Spencer is a high-quality dessert apple that has not received the attention that it deserves. A cross of McIntosh and Golden Delicious, it was developed in 1926 at the British Columbia Experimental Station in Summerland and released in 1959. Fruit is large, oblong to conical, with yellow skin flushed and streaked with carmine and reddish-orange. The greenish-white flesh is soft, tender and very sweet. Ripens in September and is a good keeper.

Spice (of N. Georgia) - Over the years there have been numerous varieties of old southern apples named "Spice"which originated in small local communities or regions but never gained much attention outside their areas of origin. Calhoun lists several examples of these in his book, including Virginia Spice, Spice Sweet, Early Spice, Cumberland Spice and Winter Spice. The Spice apple of northern Georgia was made available to the public by our friend Joyce Neighbors of Gadsden, Alabama. It is an old family apple dating back over 100 years. It is a fine fresh-eating apple and makes great apple pie. An early apple variety, ripening in July-August.

Spice of Old Virginia - There is some confusion as to the identity of this apple. In 1859 Hopewell Nurseries of Fredericksburg, Virginia sold an apple known as Virginia Spice. This apple is described as being medium in size with whitish skin covered with a few brown dots. Spice of Old Virginia has considerable red on the sunny side so is probably distinctly different from Virginia Spice. Fruit is medium-sized with smooth, yellow skin mostly covered with reddish-orange with darker red stripes and distinct large gray dots. The yellowish flesh is firm and juicy with a crisp tangy flavor. Ripens in late September to October and is a good keeper.
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Spigold - A true connoisseur variety, Spigold is an apple of the highest quality and flavor. It is not a true heirloom apple, being released by the New York Agricultural Experiment Station in 1962, but is an apple that should be included in all home orchards. A cross of Northern Spy and Golden Delicious, Spigold combines the best of both varieties. Fruit is large with smooth, reddish and bronze striped skin. Crisp, juicy and very aromatic. Ripens September to October and is a fair keeper. Fruit Picture

Starr (Star in the East, Star, Early Greening) - Historically, there has been some confusion between Starr and Star, both of which at one time were considered as separate apples. However, in his research for his excellent book, Calhoun states that they are probably one and the same apple. Starr originated in the late 1700's as a seedling on the farm of John Starr of Woodburg, New Jersey. It was widely sold throughout the South and described in old nursery catalogs as "the largest early apple known, measuring 10 to 12 inches in circumference." They were frequently picked unripe and sold as a cooking apple under the name of Early Greening. Fruit is large to very large, somewhat roundish, with pale greenish-yellow skin with a faint red blush. The yellow-tinged flesh is tender, crisp, very juicy and aromatic. Ripens late June to July and is a fair keeper for an early apple.

Stark ( Starke, Robinson, Winter King) - Stark is an apple that originated in Ohio around 1869 and was widely grown there for years. It is a fine, late-keeping apple well suited for commercial markets. The tree is vigorous and highly productive, but susceptible to fireblight. Fruit medium to large, oblong to conical and occasionally ribbed. The greenish-yellow skin is mostly covered with dull red and purple splashes and stripes, sometimes almost entirely red. The greenish-white to yellow flesh is crisp, coarse, firm and moderately juicy. Ripens late winter. Fruit Picture

Stayman ( Stayman Winesap) - Stayman is a progeny of Winesap and like its well known and historic parent, is an apple of the highest quality. The apple arose in 1866 when Dr. J. Stayman planted seeds of Winesap on his farm in Leavenworth, Kansas. Like Winesap, it has sterile pollen and cannot pollinate other apple trees. Fruit is medium to large with smooth greenish-yellow skin mostly covered with stripes and splashes of red and crimson. The tangy whitish-yellow flesh is firm, crisp, and juicy. Ripens in October.
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Strawberry Pippin - Strawberry Pippin is a lovely red-striped apple with a pleasant crunch and a very pleasing sweet-tart flavor. The origin of this attractive apple is uncertain but is thought to have come from England at an unknown date. The medium-sized apple is striped with light and dark red with a light red blush on the sunny side. The crisp white flesh is juicy and quite sweet. Ripens in September and is a fair keeper.
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Stoke's Red - A bittersharp English cider apple which gained attention in the 1920's when surveys found trees growing in Rodney Stoke, England. It produces a sharp juice with a distinctive astringency, qualities favored for producing fine, sharp English cider. The tree is vigorous and a heavy cropper, but is usually slow to bear. Fruit is waxy red with a fine aroma. Ripens late November to December. Fruit Picture

Stump - According to Calhoun (1995), there are three described varieties of Stump, leading to some confusion over the identification of this apple. One Stump apple was sold in the late 1800's in Kentucky as a seedling of Newtown Pippin. This variety is extinct. Another Stump is of Delaware origin and was not sold by most southern nurseries. A third Stump, available today, originated in 1875 in Chili, New York and was very popular as a high-quality autumn apple. Skin is pale yellow with a pink wash overlaid with splashes and stripes of dark red. The whitish flesh is fine-grained, tender and juicy. Ripens September to October. Fruit Picture

Sugarloaf Pippin (Early Sugar Loaf, Sugar Loaf Greening, Hutching's Seedling) - Some early literature indicates this apple originated in England but most likely it arose in Russia. It was a popular apple widely grown in the Ohio Valley in the 1880's and was believed to have been brought to this region from Pennsylvania around 1824. It was listed in a North Carolina nursery catalog in 1855. The apple is medium-sized, roundish and somewhat flattened with light green skin with heavy russeting around the cavity and large, distinctive, russeted dots. The flesh is white, fine-grained, somewhat dry and quite sweet. Ripens in August.

Summer Banana - A very attractive apple with a distinct banana flavor and aroma when fully ripe. The apple originated in Marion County, South Carolina and was sold there and in North Carolina until the early 1900's. In 1900, it was trademarked by the J. Van Lindley Nursery of Greensboro, North Carolina. The fruit is slightly conical, having deep yellow skin with a faint red blush and pink and red stripes. Ripens August to September.

Summer Champion (Holland, Kincaid) - Summer Champion is one of the few apples to have originated in the warm regions of Texas. The apple originated in 1923 at the home of J. W. Kincaid of Weatherford, Texas. Originally known as Kincaid, the apple's name was later changed to Holland after G. A. Holland, a former well-known resident of Weatherford. In 1930, Stark Brothers Nursery began selling this tree and renamed it Summer Champion, a name officially accepted today. The apple was once an important commercial variety in Texas. It is a very productive variety which ripens early to produce a large, red, flavorful apple. Ripens late July to August.
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Summer King ( King, Kentucky Summer Queen, August Apple) - A very fine and attractive apple brought into Kentucky from North Carolina in the early 1800's. It became known as King in Kentucky and was an important commercial variety there around 1850. Once considered to be extinct, it was rediscovered in 1986 by apple collector Joyce Neighbors of Alabama. Fruit is medium to large with greenish-yellow skin overlaid with red and crimson stripes and splashes. The yellowish-white flesh is brittle, tender, fine-grained, and juicy. Ripens July to August. Fruit Picture

Summer Ladyfinger - This apple was discovered several years ago in an old orchard in Fries, Virginia and is believed to be the old Maryland apple, Ladyfinger. Fruit is medium, roundish- conical with yellowish skin mostly covered with deep crimson. The tender white flesh is tender, moderately juicy and almost sweet in flavor. Ripens in August. Fruit Picture Bloom Picture

Summer Orange - In the early 1980's, Lee Calhoun rediscovered this old North Carolina apple growing in a homeowner's field in Chatham County, NC. From 1920 - 1928, Summer Orange was listed in an old catalog from a small nursery located in Chatham Co. It apparently was grown only in Chatham and nearby counties and never became commercially popular. The fruit is large, round, and light greenish-yellow in color with dark specks. Great for apple pie. Fruit Picture

Summer Queen (Early Queen, Orange Apple, Queen) - Summer Queen is a very popular southern apple variety which originated in New Jersey in the 1800's. It is a very productive tree and is a late bloomer which protects it from most late spring frosts. It is a very fine cooking and drying apple with a rich, spicy flavor. Fruit is medium to large in size, roundish-conical to oblong in shape, with pale yellow skin striped with dull red and dark crimson. The aromatic yellow flesh is coarse and juicy with a spicy subacid flavor. Ripens July to August.

Summer Rambo (Summer Rambo of Pennsylvania, Imperial Rambo) - This apple is of French origin and once quite popular in Maryland and Virginia. The fruit can be picked while still green for frying, pies and applesauce. The fruit can be large and is often ribbed with unequal sides. Skin is greenish yellow washed with pink and carmine on the sun exposed side. The greenish yellow flesh is coarse, tender and very juicy. Ripe August- September. Fruit Picture

Summer Rose ( Glass Apple, Lippincott, Woolman’s Striped Harvest) - Summer Rose is a very high quality, early season apple originating in New Jersey in the early 1800's. It compares favorably with other better- known early apples such as Red Astrachan and Yellow Transparent. It is a late bloomer and escapes most late spring frosts. Summer Rose is an attractive fruit with smooth, waxy, yellow skin blushed with red streaks and blotches. The fine-grained white flesh is tender, crisp, and juicy. Ripens June to July and does not store well. Fruit Picture

Sutton's Beauty (Beauty, Sutton, Morris Red, Steele's Red) - A high-quality dessert apple which originated in 1848 in Sutton, Massachusetts. It was once raised as a commercial variety in New York around 1900. A productive but biennial variety occasionally susceptible to fireblight. Fruit is medium-sized with waxy greenish-yellow skin shaded and striped with crimson. The whitish flesh is tinged with yellow and is crisp, juicy and fine-grained. A very early bloomer ripening in September.

Swaar (Hardwick) - The name means "heavy" in Dutch and was first raised by Dutch settlers in the Hudson Valley in the 1700's. A fine dessert apple which softens and improves in flavor dramatically after being in storage. Requires a very fertile soil to reach perfection and is only a moderate producer. The apples have a tendency to drop from the tree prematurely. Fruit is medium to large with rough greenish-yellow skin which changes to deep yellow when in storage. The fine-grained yellowish flesh is firm, tender, juicy and aromatic. A late season apple ripening in November.

Sweet Alford A vintage sweet to mild bittersweet cider apple which originated in Devon, England, sometime in the 18th century. A small, pale yellow apple which produces sweet juice and mild bittersweet cider of high quality.

Sweet Bough ( Bough Apple, Large Yellow Bough, Sweet Harvest) - This apple was first noted in 1817 as a sweet, early-season apple. Praised as a good fruit for fresh eating and cooking. This medium to large apple has smooth, pale yellow to white skin, sometimes with a faint red blush. The tender white flesh is crisp, juicy and very sweet. Ripens June to July in most areas. Bloom Picture

Sweet Coppin - A pure sweet European cider apple which arose in Devon, England in the early 18th century. A pale yellow apple with soft, sweet flesh with low tannin and low acid. Produces a good quality juice with no astringency, making a sweet to very mildly bittersweet cider. A biennial producer ripening in October.
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Sweet Dixon - A somewhat unknown variety widely grown in Wautauga County, North Carolina at the turn of the century, though, oddly enough, never sold by any North Carolina nurseries. It was listed for sale in 1905 by the Comal Springs Nursery of New Braunfels, Texas. Our friend and fellow apple collector, Lee Calhoun, with the help of Miss Inadene Hampton of Wautauga County found a very old tree near her home and was able to save this fine old apple. The fruit is medium to large in size with red striped skin. The tender, sweet flesh is crisp and juicy.

Sweet Winesap (Henry Sweet, Ladies Sweet, Rose Sweet) - Sweet Winesap originated in New York in the late 1890's. Fruit size is medium to large and somewhat conical in shape. The smooth, tough skin is greenish-yellow mostly covered with light red and carmine striping. The clean, white flesh is crisp, fine-grained, juicy and very sweet. Ripens in October and is a good keeper.

Tan Yard Seedling - This is an old, local heirloom originating in the mountains of north Georgia and still sold by Lawson’s Nursery of Ball Ground, Georgia. It is most noted for its late bloom, offering protection from late spring frosts. Fruit is medium with clear yellow skin. Ripens late fall to early winter. Fruit Picture

Tarbutton Our friend, Joyce Neighbors of Gadsden, Alabama, noted apple collector from whom we obtained this old apple, says the Tar Button is an old variety first described in a 1982-1983 catalog of Lawson's Nursery in Ball Ground, Georgia. According to Jim Lawson this apple probably originated with a Humphrey Tarbutton of northern Georgia sometime in the 1800's. Fruit is yellow with red striping and is a very good cooking and drying apple as well as a fine fresh eating variety. Considered one of the best for apple jelly. Ripens in August.
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Taylor Sweet - A fairly uncommon local apple grown in Yancey County, North Carolina and discovered by Lee Calhoun after being contacted by Arnold Proffitt and his sister Audrey Davenport. Mr. Proffitt says this apple was grown on his farm when his father was a young boy making it an apple more than 100 years old. Travis Whitson, whose family has one Taylor Sweet tree remaining on the old family farm in Yancey County, describes the apple as follows: "The apples ripen in the first and second week of August and do not keep very long. The fruit is small, yellowish in color with brown specks and is very sweet. It is so sweet that after biting into it the flesh will start turning dark quickly. My Mother, while living, was able to cut the core out, applied butter and raisins and baked. A very good eating and dessert apple."

Tenderskin (Tender Peeling) - Originated in South Carolina in the 1850's and sold as an all-purpose apple for eating, cooking, and cider. Fruit size is below medium with clear yellow skin overlaid with red stripes and splashes. The fine-grained yellow flesh is juicy and very tender. Ripens August to September. Fruit Picture

Terry Winter (Terry, Winter Terry) - An excellent old southern apple noted for its long-keeping abilities. It originated before the Civil War with a Mr. Terry of Fulton County, Georgia, and was soon widely sold throughout Georgia and neighboring states. Medium-sized fruit with thick, tough yellow skin covered with stripes and splashes of red and crimson. The white flesh is crisp and juicy. Ripens November and is an excellent keeper. Fruit Picture

Tolman Sweet (Brown’s Golden Sweet, Tallman Sweeting, Tolman’s Sweeting) - A very old American apple thought to have originated in Dorchester, Massachusetts, but the true date of origin is unknown. The tree grows well, is very hardy, long-lived and once very popular in home orchards of New England. Fruit is medium-sized and round with yellowish-white skin often with a faint red blush. The firm, fine-grained white flesh is juicy and sweet. Ripens late November to December.

Tompkins County King ( King, Winter King, Flat Spitzenburg, Tommy Red) - Tompkins County King is a very high quality apple that grows well in the south only in the mountains. It originated in Warren County, New Jersey in the early 1800's and was brought to Tompkins County, New York in 1804 and named King. It quickly gained favorable recognition for its large size and fine flavor. The fruit is large to very large with yellow skin washed with red and crimson. A very flavorful apple with crisp, tender, aromatic flesh. Ripens September to October.
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Tremlett's Bitter A well known classic English cider apple which was first noted in the Exe Valley in Devon in the 19th century. The fruit produces a sweet, astringent, high tannin juice which makes a full bittersweet cider. Excellent used in blends with other sweet cider varieties. The apple is conical in shape and deep red in color. Ripens in late October.

Twenty Ounce ( Aurora, Blessing, Cayuga Red Streak) - Originating in New York in the early 1800's, Twenty Ounce is a very large, showy fruit and an excellent cooking apple. Cooks easily and makes a fine applesauce. Large, roundish fruit with a thick, tough greenish-yellow skin with stripes and splashes of carmine and deep red. The whitish-yellow flesh is coarse, tender and juicy. Ripens in September. Fruit Picture Bloom Picture

Vandevere (Fall Vandevere, Ox Eye, Gibbon’s Smokehouse) - Origin is unclear, but probably arose in Wilmington, Delaware in the 1700's on the farm of the Vandiver family. Fruit is medium size or larger with yellow skin overlaid with pale red stripes. A good keeper, it becomes greasy feeling in storage and loses some crispness, but remains an excellent cooking apple until March or April. The firm, tender yellow flesh is crisp, juicy and sweet. Ripens in October or later. Fruit Picture Bloom Picture

Van Hoy No Core (Vanhoy, Van Hay’s No Core) - A fine winter apple of North Carolina origin distinguished by its very small core which contains few, if any, seeds. Calhoun says that some growers believe Van Hoy No Core may be identical to York Imperial which itself has a very small core. Fruit is large in size and slightly conical in shape. The thick, smooth greenish-yellow skin is overlaid with dull red and dark red stripes and is covered with distinctive yellow dots. The crisp, firm yellow flesh is coarse, juicy, and flavorful. Ripens in December and is a very fine keeper.

Vine (Vine Apple) - Originated in Virginia in late 1890's and very popular throughout Virginia and North Carolina. Name taken from thin, wiry growth of tree said to resemble a grapevine. Medium size, conical fruit with distinct lobes. Skin is rough, yellow with red blush. Yellow flesh is crisp, juicy and subacid. Ripens late October and is excellent keeper.

Virginia Beauty (Zach Red) - Once a very well known and desirable apple rivaling Red Delicious for popularity, Virginia Beauty is now a rare apple. The apple originated from a seed planted in 1810 in the backyard of Zach Safewright in the Piper’s Gap community of Carroll Co., Virginia. The original tree stood until 1914. Fruit medium to large, often lopsided, with smooth, dark red or purplish skin. Flesh is greenish yellow, fine-grained, tender and juicy. Ripens October-February and is a good keeper. Bloom Picture Fruit Picture

Virginia Gold - Developed around 1976 by George Oberle at Virginia Polytechnic Institute in Blacksburg, Virginia. It is a cross of Newtown Pippin and Golden Delicious, with a flavor characteristic of Newtown Pippin. It reaches its peak flavor after storage for several months. The smooth, clear skin is bright yellow with an attractive pink blush. The clean, white flesh is crisp and juicy with a pleasant, distinctive flavor. An outstanding dessert apple, but also well-suited for culinary uses. Ripens in early October and is a fine keeper.
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Virginia Greening (Green Mountain Pippin, Ross Greening, Virginia Blush) - A very old southern apple thought to have come out of Virginia in the 1700's, but its true origin is unclear. Interestingly, Virginia Greening was never recorded as being sold by any Virginia nursery under this name, but was sold by nurseries in other southern states. Fruit is medium to large with thick, tough, green skin with an occasional red blush on the sunny side and scattered large, reddish dots. Flesh is yellow, coarse, and sweet. Ripens in October and is a fine keeper.
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Virginia Sweet A beautiful apple of unknown origin but which certainly, based on its name, must have originated in Virginia. A very striking apple in appearance with deep, rich red skin, overlaid with large and distinctive irregular russet dots which cover the surface of the fruit. The crisp, juicy white flesh is very sweet and aromatic. This fine dessert apple ripens in September.
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Wagener - This is one of many fine apple varieties which originated in New York state and became very popular in the South, particularly in Virginia. In 1791, George Wheeler of Penn Yan, New York, planted apple seeds in his orchard which produced several fine trees. In 1796, Abraham Wagener purchased the orchard from which arose the tree that today bears his name. It is an apple that, according to Beach, is a variety of "superior excellence." It is a very fine cooking apple and an excellent dessert apple as well. Fruit is medium to large with thin, smooth, glossy pinkish-red skin overlaying a background of pale yellow. The yellowish-white flesh is firm, fine-grained, and very juicy. Ripens in October. Fruit Picture

Washington Strawberry (Juniata, Washington, Washington County Seedling) - This colorful, attractive apple originated in New York in 1849 and was sold by Georgia nurseries from 1885 to 1902. The tree is vigorous and is a heavy, dependable bearer. Fruit is large and roundish-conical with waxy yellow skin mottled and striped with brownish-red and carmine. The yellow flesh is slightly coarse, crisp, juicy and tender. An early season variety ripening in late July in warmer areas, later in the mountains.

Wealthy - Originated in 1860 in Excelsior, Minnesota from the seeds of the Cherry Crab. Widely popular in the South due to its hardiness and early bearing abilities. When grown in colder areas it is a good keeper; otherwise considered a poor keeper. Skin is pale greenish-yellow with brilliant red striping. Ripens in August to September in most of the South but later in mountain areas.

Western Beauty (Beauty of the West, Big Rambo, Ohio Beauty) - Believed to have originated in Marietta, Pennsylvania in 1815. Fruit closely resembles Summer Rambo, but ripens later. Considered one of the best fall apples. Fruit is large and conical in shape. The skin is thin and greenish-yellow covered with a dull red coat overlaid with deep red striping. Flesh is greenish-white, juicy, tender and mild. Ripens November to February in colder regions, but July to August in warmer areas. Fruit Picture Bloom Picture

Westfield Seek-No-Further (Connecticut, Marietta Seek-No-Further, New England-Seek-No-Further, New England Red, Red Winter, Red Winter Pearmain, Seeknofurther, Seek-No-Further, Signifinger, Seek, Red Seek-No-Further, Westfield) - Most commonly known as Seek-No-Further, this high-quality apple originated near Westfield, Massachusetts, around 1796 and was widely sold in New York markets in the 1900's. Beach (1905) describes it as an apple with "peculiarly pleasant, rich, mild subacid flavor". Fruit is medium-sized, roundish-conical with dull greenish-yellow skin, shaded and splashed with orangish-red and striped with carmine. A thin bloom can give a bluish cast to the skin. Flesh is white tinged with yellow and is firm, crisp, tender and juicy and is very aromatic. Ripens September-October and is a very good keeper. Fruit Picture

White Bausel (Bausel) - A local apple originating here in Ashe County and first obtained from our friend, Swanzie Shephard, who once grew and maintained hundreds of old Southern apples. A large yellowish-white apple with a clean, tart flavor. Considered to be a great cooking apple. Ripens early Fall.

White Winter Pearmain (White Pearmain, Cambellite, Griffin’s Pearmain) - A very fine apple first described in 1867. Widely sold throughout the South and prized for its fresh eating qualities. Fruit is medium to large with smooth, waxy, greenish-yellow skin. Flesh is white or yellowish, aromatic, tender, crisp, and fine-grained. Ripens September to October and is a fairly good keeper. Fruit Picture

William's Favorite (Williams, Williams Apple, Southern Queen) - A wonderful old southern apple well known for its adaptability to most growing conditions. The tree arose around 1750 on the farm of Captain Benjamin Williams in Roxbury, Massachusetts. In 1830, it was introduced to the public by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society where it was renamed William’s Favorite. It soon worked its way into the southern states during the latter part of the 19^th century. The apple resembles Red Delicious, but is brighter red and ripens earlier. It demonstrates resistance to fireblight. Fruit is medium to large, conical, and sometimes lobed or angular. Skin is smooth and whitish-yellow with two shades of red wash and stripes. The yellowish-white flesh is tender, moderately juicy, and stained red at the core line. Ripens in July.

Willow Twig (Willow, James River, Red Willow Twig) - The origin of this apple is rather obscure, but generally believed to have arisen in Virginia in the mid-1800's. The tree is very attractive, with a drooping appearance similar to Willow trees. A medium to large apple, conical in shape, and sometimes slightly ribbed. Smooth yellowish green skin blushed with dull red stripes and splashes. The yellowish flesh is coarse, crisp and juicy. Ripens in October and an excellent keeper, remaining fresh and firm until March or later. Fruit Picture

Wilson Red June - This little known apple originated in Arkansas although the date of origin is unknown. It is an early season apple and was sold by Stark Bro’s Nursery during the 1920's. Fruit size in medium or larger with a roundish-conical shape. The yellowish-green skin is overlaid with a red flush and darker red stripes and streaks. Ripens in July.

Wine (Hay’s Winter, Winter Wine, Large Winter Red) - This apple came from Delaware in the mid-1800's and is quite well adapted to the South. A large, round apple frequently with uneven sides. Th smooth yellow skin is covered with splashes and stripes of deep red, but will be more yellow if fruit is shaded. Yellowish-white flesh is crisp and juicy. Ripens October to November in colder areas.

Winter Banana (Banana, Flory) - A very attractive apple that when well grown can have a very faint aroma of fresh bananas. Winter Banana originated around 1876 in Cass Co., Indiana and was introduced as a commercial seller in 1890. Fruit is large and conical in shape. The smooth, tough skin is bright yellow with a pinkish red blush on the sun-exposed side. The whitish flesh is crisp tender, fine-grained and juicy. Ripens September to October. Bloom Picture Fruit Picture

Winter Jon (Winter John, Sour Jon) - A fine old mountain apple of unknown origin grown in the Southern Appalachians for generations. An excellent cooking variety also superb for cider making. Fruit size is small to medium, conical in shape with greenish-yellow skin with an occasional red blush. The whitish flesh is crisp, firm, juicy, aromatic and quite tart. Ripens late November to December and is an excellent keeper.
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Winter Sweet Paradise (Winter Paradise, Grandmother, Wine Sweet) - This apple probably originated near Paradise in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and was first mentioned in 1842. It grows well at altitudes of 1200 to 1500 or higher but does not do well in lower altitudes. Very sweet with a pleasant spicy undertone in flavor. Fruit is medium to large with dull green or yellowish skin, sometimes having a slight brownish or purple blush on the sunny side. The white flesh is tender, juicy and sweet and is sometimes said to have pear-like flavor. Ripens in September and is a good keeper.

Wolf River - A very well known apple in the Southern Appalachians prized for its outstanding applesauce and apple butter. Wolf River is an enormous apple that originated with William Springer of Quebec, Canada. Springer left his home in Canada for Wisconsin around 1856, stopping along the way to purchase a basket of apples, believed to be Alexander. When he reached his new home near Fremont, Wisconsin, he planted seeds from the Alexander apples along the banks of the Wolf River. Thus was born one of America's great apples. Fruit is very large and often irregular in shape. Skin is greenish yellow covered with splashes and stripes of red and carmine. The soft, tender whitish flesh is coarse-grained and moderately juicy. Ripens in September and is not a good keeper. Fruit Picture

Yankee Sweet - Once a very popular in certain areas of Virginia, it is now a very rare variety. Described as excellent for making apple preserves and marmalade. Fruit is medium-sized and slightly flattened on the ends with light green or yellow skin. The fine-grained yellowish flesh is moderately crisp, juicy and sweet. Ripens August to September. Bloom Picture

Yarlington Mill - A very old English cider apple which originated in the 19^th century in Yarlington, West Cadbury where it was found growing out of a wall near a water wheel. It produces a fine bittersweet cider with a good aroma and flavor. Fruit is small with pale yellow skin. Ripens late October to November. Fruit Picture

Yates (Yates Winter, Red Warrior) - Yates originated with Matthew Yates of Fayette County, Georgia, around 1844. Long a popular Southern favorite prized for its fine flavor and long keeping qualities. Grows well in all regions from the mountains to the coast. Fruit is small to very small with yellowish-white skin covered with red stripes and dark red shading. The yellowish-white flesh is tender, juicy and aromatic. Ripens in October and keeps very well until April. Fruit Picture Bloom Picture

Yellow Bellflower (Fall Bellflower, Lady Washington, Yellow Sheepnose) - Yellow Bellflower originated in the early 1800's in Burlington, New Jersey. Medium size fruit is conical, often ribbed, with distinctive knobs at the calyx end. The smooth skin is pale yellow with a reddish-brown blush. The pale yellowish-white flesh is firm, crisp, juicy and aromatic. Flavor is rather tart when first picked, but mellows in storage. Ripens in October and is a fair keeper. Fruit Picture

Yellow June (White June, Hoover June) - An apple of unknown southern origin, resembling Early Harvest and frequently mistaken for this variety, but with an earlier ripening time than Early Harvest. Fruit medium-sized, roundish, with thin pale yellow or greenish-yellow skin. Skin is covered with numerous green and brown dots or lenticels. The tender yellowish-white flesh is juicy with a brisk subacid flavor. Ripens late June to July or later, depending on location. Fruit Picture

Yellow Transparent (Early Transparent, Russian Transparent, White Transparent, Early June, Early June Transparent) - One of many old Southern apples of Russian origin brought into this country in 1870 by the USDA. Resistant to cedar apple rust and scab and can be grown in all areas of the South including the warmer coastal plain. Fruit is medium sized with smooth transparent yellow skin. White-fleshed, tender, fine-grained and juicy. Flavor is quite tart and tangy. Ripens June to July, depending on location.
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York Imperial (Johnson’s Fine Winter, York, Shep) - One of the most important commercial processing apples in Virginia, York Imperial is also the leading apple variety in Pennsylvania. Originating in York, Pennsylvania in the 1800's on the farm of a Mr. Johnson, York Imperial soon became a favorite of growers for its long-keeping abilities and fine processing qualities. The fruit is medium to large with a distinctive oblong or lopsided shape. The skin is light yellow in color with stripes of brownish-red. The coarse yellow flesh is firm and juicy with a mild tartness to the flavor. Ripens late fall (November - December) and hangs well on the tree into late winter.
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