Wolf River apple
Wolf River is a legendary heirloom apple known for its massive size, cold hardiness, and exceptional performance in baking. Originating in Wisconsin in the 1800s, this variety has earned a reputation as a reliable, disease-resistant tree with fruit so large it’s often said one apple makes a whole pie.
The apples are round to oblong, often weighing over a pound each, with red-streaked skin over a creamy yellow base. Their flesh is coarse, tender, and mildly sweet with low acidity—perfect for pies, sauces, and drying. Wolf River apples hold their shape when cooked and are prized for their ability to produce rich, fragrant baked goods without added sugar.
The tree is hardy in Zones 3–8, vigorous, and naturally resistant to apple scab and cedar apple rust. It grows up to 25 feet tall and begins bearing in 4–6 years. Bloom time is mid to late season, and harvest typically occurs in late September. Good pollinators include Liberty, Goldrush, and other mid-season bloomers.
Whether you’re planting for heritage, flavor, or resilience, Wolf River offers a storied past and a dependable future in northern orchards.