Apple (Malus) ‘Roxbury Russett’ Semi-dwarf 7 Gal

Apple 'Roxbury Russet'
Malus 'Roxbury Russet' (Reinette Franche x unknown)

Heirloom from the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1635! Once widely grown, including here in Western North Carolina. A classic russet apple, tart and sweet. High sugar content. Firm, slightly coarse, fairly tender, yellowish-white flesh. Phenomenal cider apple, a fine keeper (when grown in the NC mountains or more northern areas of the country), and good fresh. Highly productive trees. Partial tip bearer.

Late season bloomer. Triploidy / poor pollinator of others. Pollinators required. All total 3 different cultivars will be needed for full pollination.

Disease resistances: Resistant to apple scab. Some resistance to fireblight, scab, and cedar apple rust, although sources provide conflicting information.

History: Heirloom from the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1635 or 1649, sources vary. Roxbury Russet is originally from the farm of Ebenezer David. The scionwood was soon taken to Connecticut for propagation in orchards, and found it's way from Ohio to New York. Also known as Belpe Russet, Boston Russet, Howe's Russet, Leather Coat, Marietta Russet, Putnam Russet, Russet Golden, Shippen's Russet, Sylvan Russet, Russet, and Warner Russet.

Usage Notes: The juice contains 12.87% sugar that ferments to 6% alcohol. Dried fruits retain flavor well, but their coloration will darken.

Zone 4. Cold hardy to -30F.