The Baxter Black Winesap Apple

Abstract

This chance seedling came up about 1900 close by the place where an Arkansas *. tree had stood in an orchard of Mr. C. J. Baxter, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois. Since the seedling tree did not interfere with any orchard operation it was allowed to grow. By 1910 or 1911 it had produced its first crop. For a few years no particular attention was given the fruit because it closely resembled the Arkansas fruit harvested from the orchard. Within a few years it was found that the seedling was a good producer and the fruit had exceptional keeping qualities even when stored in a basement. Because of its excellent keeping qualities enough trees were propagated in 1930 to set about one-third of a ten-acre block. After tbese trees came into bearing the seedling was referred to as Baxter Black Winesap, and later given the name. The variety was named after the family, its very dark color and the similarity in shape to apples in the Winesap group. A patent was secured for the variety in 1944 (U.S. Plant Pat. 619) and assigned to the Gem City Vineland Company, Nauvoo, Illinois. Trees were first listed for sale by the above company in 1947.