Hewes Virginia Crabapple

Malus domestica 'Hewes Virginia Crab'

An American original! George Washington's and Thomas Jefferson's favorite cider apple. Also called Virginia Crab, it is a small, flattened, yellow apple with a rose-to-red blush and white specks. Makes a clear, dry, cinnamon-flavored cider. Slow to ferment and the flavor lasts if aged.

It has a long bloom period (blooms during categories 1-4) and is an excellent pollinizer. Was previously used as a rootstock due to its exceptional hardiness. Can lapse into biennial bearing if not thinned aggressively as a young tree. Ripens in late September in PNW. Well-suited for Southern growers who cider early, and also folks with short growing seasons.

USDA Zone: 4-9

Grow Height: 12' (Semi-Dwarf)

Sun: Full Sun

Ripening Time: September

Pollination: Needs a Pollinizer

Semi-Dwarf Rootstock: EMLA 106

Read our Apple Growing Guide