McCoin Lower: Difference between revisions
Bot: Heritage orchard data import |
Bot: Update unique trees section (4 unique trees) |
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|species_breakdown=31 apple | |species_breakdown=31 apple | ||
|variety_count=9 | |variety_count=9 | ||
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|unique_count=4}} | |||
The '''McCoin Lower''' orchard contains 31 documented heritage fruit trees. | The '''McCoin Lower''' orchard contains 31 documented heritage fruit trees. | ||
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* [[plum or poor DNA]] | * [[plum or poor DNA]] | ||
== Unique Trees == | |||
{{:Unique Trees}} | |||
This orchard contains '''4''' unique tree(s) - trees whose DNA matched no known named variety: | |||
* [[McCoin Lower Tree 69|Tree #69]] | |||
* [[McCoin Lower Tree 73|Tree #73]] - same as ADTC-035 Modoc County, CA | |||
* [[McCoin Lower Tree 81|Tree #81]] | |||
* [[McCoin Lower Tree 86|Tree #86]] | |||
[[Category:Orchards with Unique Trees]] | |||
[[Category:Orchards]] | [[Category:Orchards]] | ||
[[Category:Crooked River National Grassland]] | [[Category:Crooked River National Grassland]] | ||
Revision as of 00:10, 31 January 2026
| McCoin Lower | |
|---|---|
| Location | CRNG, OCHOCO NF |
| Tree Count | 31 |
| Species | 31 apple |
| Varieties | 27 identified |
The McCoin Lower orchard contains 31 documented heritage fruit trees.
Orchard Map
Trees
Good Condition (13)
- Tree #68 - Northern Spy
- Tree #69
- Tree #72 - Missouri Pippin
- Tree #73
- Tree #76 - Gloria Mundi
- Tree #77 - Gloria Mundi
- Tree #78 - Gloria Mundi
- Tree #80 - Northern Spy
- Tree #81
- Tree #82 - Baldwin
- Tree #87 - Alexander
- Tree #89 - Baldwin
- Tree #90 - Baldwin
Fair Condition (13)
- Tree #71 - Alexander
- Tree #74 - Gloria Mundi
- Tree #75 - Blue Pearmain
- Tree #83 - Yellow Bellflower
- Tree #84 - Yellow Bellflower
- Tree #85 - Baldwin
- Tree #86
- Tree #88 - Alexander
- Tree #91 - Wealthy
- Tree #94 - Wealthy
- Tree #95 - Wealthy
- Tree #96 - Wealthy
- Tree #97 - Wealthy
Poor Condition (5)
- Tree #70 - Alexander
- Tree #79 - Alexander
- Tree #92 - Wealthy
- Tree #93 - Wealthy
- Tree #100 - plum or poor DNA
Varieties
- Alexander
- Baldwin
- Blue Pearmain
- Gloria Mundi
- Missouri Pippin
- Northern Spy
- Wealthy
- Yellow Bellflower
- plum or poor DNA
Unique Trees
Unique Trees
Unique trees are heritage fruit trees whose DNA analysis revealed no match to any known named apple variety. These represent one of the most significant findings of the Central Oregon Central Oregon Heritage Apple Corps's 2024 DNA testing initiative.
What Makes a Tree "Unique"?
When DNA samples from heritage trees were analyzed by the USDA Agricultural Research Service, most could be matched to known commercial varieties like Yellow Transparent, Northern Spy, or Winesap. However, some trees produced DNA profiles that don't match any variety in the reference databases.
These unique results can arise from:
- Seedling trees - Trees grown from seed rather than grafted. Apple seeds don't grow true to the parent variety, so each seedling is genetically distinct.
- Lost varieties - Historic varieties that were once named and propagated but have since disappeared from commerce and documentation. Many 19th-century nursery catalogs listed hundreds of varieties that no longer exist in collections.
- Regional selections - Local varieties that were propagated within a community but never formally named or distributed widely.
- Natural mutations - Spontaneous genetic changes (sports) that occurred in established orchards and were propagated locally.
Why Are Unique Trees Important?
Unique trees represent irreplaceable genetic diversity. Unlike common commercial varieties which exist in many locations, these trees may be the last (or only) specimens of their genetic lineage in existence.
Key reasons for preservation:
- Historic value - These trees are living artifacts of 19th-century pioneer orcharding in Central Oregon
- Genetic diversity - Unique genetic combinations may contain valuable traits for disease resistance, climate adaptation, or flavor
- Research potential - DNA analysis may eventually match these to "lost" varieties as databases expand
- Cultural heritage - Represent the agricultural practices of homesteaders who planted them
Preservation Efforts
Trees identified as unique are prioritized for preservation through grafting at the Clarno Arboretum. This ensures their genetics are preserved even if the original tree is lost to age, fire, or other hazards.
Unique Trees by Orchard
| Orchard | Unique Trees | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cyrus | #7, #13, #14, #23, #25 | #23 matches other samples |
| Cyrus Horse Camp | #27, #30, #31, #32, #33 | |
| McCoin Lower | #69, #73, #81, #86 | #73 matches other samples |
| McCoin Upper | #51, #53 | |
| Osborn Springs | #112 |
How to Help
If you have knowledge of historic apple varieties in Central Oregon, or access to old nursery catalogs, orchard records, or family histories that might help identify these trees, please contact the project coordinators.
This orchard contains 4 unique tree(s) - trees whose DNA matched no known named variety:
