Willsboro
Apple
Willsboro
Origin/History
Supposed to have originated at Willsboro, Essex County, New York. The description recorded by Downing is attributed to J. W. Bailey.
Tree
Not described in source.
Fruit
Size: Medium.
Form: Roundish conic.
Stem: Not described in source.
Cavity: Not described in source.
Calyx: Not described in source.
Basin: Not described in source.
Skin: Yellow, shaded, mottled, and marbled mostly with dull red.
Flesh/Flavor: Yellowish white, juicy, crisp, tender, sprightly subacid.
Core/Seeds: Not described in source.
Season
December to February.
Uses
Not described in source.
Subtypes/Variants
Not described in source.
Other
Beach (1905) cites Downing (1869, p. 409) and Ragan (U.S.B.P.I. Bul. 56:336, 1905) as references, and summarizes the variety in terms drawn directly from Downing with no independent observation. No additional detail is introduced by Beach beyond confirmation of the origin and season.
Book Sources
Described in 2 period pomological works
View original book sources (2)
— A.J. Downing, The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (1900)Willsboro. Supposed origin, Willsboro, Essex, Co., N. Y. Fruit medium, roundish conic, yellow, shaded, mottled, and marbled mostly with dull red. Flesh yellowish white, juicy, crisp, tender, sprightly subacid. December, February. (J. W. Bailey.)
— S.A. Beach, The Apples of New York, Vol. 1 (1905)WILLSBORO.
References. 1. Downing, 1869:409. 2. Ragan, U. S. B. P. I. Bul., 56:336. 1905.
Downing describes this fruit as medium, yellow mostly overspread, mottled and marbled with dull red; flesh sprightly subacid; season December to February. Supposed to have originated at Willsboro, Essex county, N. Y. (1).