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Black Twig

Apple
USDA watercolor illustration of Black Twig

USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection

Editor's Note
The USDA Nomenclature lists four distinct apples under the name "Black Twig". The first, originating in Tennessee, may be the same as Winesap. The second, with the synonym "Mammoth Black Twig", is the same as Arkansas. The third, with the synonym "Arkansas Black Twig", refers to Arkansas Black. The fourth is synonymous with Paragon, which is also the variety described below.

Origin and History

The exact origin of this apple is unknown, but it is supposed to have originated in the northern portion of Lincoln County, Tennessee. It is said to be one of the most valuable and profitable apples grown in that section.

Tree

Very vigorous and spreading, with a rather open head. Not an early bearer, but gives good regular crops annually.

Fruit

Size and Form: Medium, oblate, very little conical, slightly angular.

Skin: Bright yellow, shaded with light red (dark crimson in the sun). Some obscure stripes and splashes on the shaded side, thickly sprinkled with yellowish and brown dots.

Stem: Short, rather stout.

Cavity: Medium, with slight russet.

Calyx: Closed.

Basin: Medium, roundish, regular.

Flesh and Flavor: Pale yellow, half fine, tender, juicy, mild subacid, rich. Very good.

Core: Rather small.

Seeds: Not described in source.

Season

October to February.

Book Sources

Described in 1 period pomological work

USDA Nomenclature (1905)

From W.H. Ragan, Nomenclature of the Apple, USDA Bulletin No. 56

May be Winesap.

This is doubtless Arkansas.

Nursery Catalog Sources

Found in 1 catalog (1900)

  • Central Experimental Farm , Dominion Department of Agriculture, Agassiz, British Columbia (under test; Bulletin No. 3, Second Series) — 1900
View original book sources (1)

Black Twig.

The exact origin of this apple is unknown, but supposed to be in the northern portion of Lincoln County, Tenn. It is said to be one of the most valuable and profitable apples grown in that section. Tree very vigorous, spreading, rather an open head, not an early bearer, but giving good regular crops annually.

Fruit medium, oblate, very little conical, slightly angular; skin bright yellow, shaded with light red (dark crimson in the sun), some obscure stripes and splashes on the shaded side, and rather thickly sprinkled with yellowish and brown dots; stalk short, rather stout; cavity medium, slight russet; calyx closed; basin medium, roundish, regular; flesh pale yellow, half fine, tender, juicy, mild subacid, rich; very good; core rather small. October to February.

— A.J. Downing, The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (1900)
Paragon