Wolf River

All are welcome to read the full array of topics within the Discussion Index where EXPERIENCED fruit growers discuss valuable nuance.

The Wolf River apple is probably an open pollinated seedling of Alexander. It originated in Wisconsin USA by 1850 and was generally introduced in 1875. This is a large cooking apple, very hardy and healthy, with little sensitivity to sickness. Comments about its quality are very variable in the literature, some authors recommend it as a cooking apple and others don't see any quality to it. Picture of Wolf River from David: <img alt="" src="http://grou.ps/wysiwyg_files/editor/groworganicapples-20100314145948-zalmxtdyaceazwwbu.jpg" align="none"> GROWER COMMENTS: <a href="../../people/ricucqqlsauujwpag">David Maxwell</a>, Nova Scotia, Zone 5b (Wet Atlantic climate)BIG apple, excellent for pies. Quite free of scab here in Zone 5a (Canadian) right on the coast (damp and rainy). 
 
<a href="../../people/zalmxtdyaceazwwbu">Claude Jolicoeur</a>, Quebec, Zone 4I had Wolf River in my orchard near Quebec, but I discarded it after a
few years of production because I thought the apple was completely
uninteresting and it was occupying space that could be used by a better
variety. So, I am in the group of people that don't see any quality to
it... <a href="../../people/fmiwiyrhfkogegofn">Todd Parlo</a>, Vermont, Zone 3I cannot disagree about the hum drum quality of this variety, but it
does have its place. For one, it is a show stopper. At apple tastings I
make sure to bring one that is approaching the size of a cantaloupe
(yes they can get that big), and anything that gets a kid to get
excited about apples I am all for (it is my 7 year old's favorite). I
find folks in the US gravitate for the subtler tastes, maybe that is
why, to my surprise most folks like the Wolf River. I have had some
good ones fresh from the tree, more often they are bland. They also get
mealy in short order. They do dry nicely and it makes for a real quick
pie. I believe it was SA Beach that mentioned they are better on a
sandy soil. That said, if you have a choice between it and its momma
Alexander, go for the Alexander. These also get pretty large, and have
a wonderfully distinctive taste when you pick them at the right moment.

GROWER COMMENTS:

David Maxwell, Nova Scotia, Zone 5b (Wet Atlantic climate)

BIG apple, excellent for pies. Quite free of scab here in Zone 5a (Canadian) right on the coast (damp and rainy).

Claude Jolicoeur, Quebec, Zone 4

I had Wolf River in my orchard near Quebec, but I discarded it after a few years of production because I thought the apple was completely uninteresting and it was occupying space that could be used by a better variety. So, I am in the group of people that don't see any quality to it...

Todd Parlo, Vermont, Zone 3

I cannot disagree about the hum drum quality of this variety, but it does have its place. For one, it is a show stopper. At apple tastings I make sure to bring one that is approaching the size of a cantaloupe (yes they can get that big), and anything that gets a kid to get excited about apples I am all for (it is my 7 year old's favorite). I find folks in the US gravitate for the subtler tastes, maybe that is why, to my surprise most folks like the Wolf River. I have had some good ones fresh from the tree, more often they are bland. They also get mealy in short order. They do dry nicely and it makes for a real quick pie. I believe it was SA Beach that mentioned they are better on a sandy soil. That said, if you have a choice between it and its momma Alexander, go for the Alexander. These also get pretty large, and have a wonderfully distinctive taste when you pick them at the right moment.

Discussion

Mary lou 17 months ago

I love these apples I had them once in Michigan and have never seen them sense. they were as big as melons and so delicious, made great pies. I would like to get a few top twigs with buds, so I can graft them on my tree to perserve these great giants. If anyone has one of these magnificant apple trees and would be willing to ship me some I would be so greatful.. I am in zone 4 but can create a micro climate with plenty of moisture for it to survive.

msaumure 16 months ago

I love the taste of these crunchy not-to-sweet apples, and am going to try to grow them from seed...

Todd Parlo 16 months ago

Planting seed of course will give variable results, so grafting is the best option or buying the tree. Wolf River is offspring of the Alexander which is a member of the so called "aport" group reportedly coming truer to seed than most. That said, I wouldn't count on it. Planting seed for the pure joy of discovery is something else entirely...go for it.

Regarding scionwood, we sell certified organic wood (Walden Heights Nursery), but other commercial sources like Fedco, Mass. Hort. Society may also.