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Arkansas Black Apple
Arkansas Black Apple
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Malus domestica ‘Arkansas Black’
Arkansas Apple Tree –
The Arkansas Apple Tree is a late-season heirloom variety prized for its firm, crisp texture and deep burgundy skin. Originally developed in the 1800s in Benton County, Arkansas, this unique cultivar is well-known for its excellent storage life, complex flavor, and striking appearance.
Perfect for home orchards, edible landscapes, and heritage fruit collections, the Arkansas Apple delivers exceptional flavor when allowed to mellow in storage and is one of the best apples for baking, cider, and winter eating.
Arkansas Apple Tree Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Botanical Name | Malus domestica ‘Arkansas Black’ |
| 🏷️ Common Names | Arkansas Apple, Arkansas Black Apple |
| 🌳 Mature Height | 15–20 feet (standard); 10–12 feet (semi-dwarf) |
| 🌐 Mature Width | 10–15 feet |
| 📈 Growth Rate | Moderate (1–2 feet per year) |
| ⏳ Lifespan | 30–50 years |
| 🧊 USDA Zones | 5–8 |
| ❄️ Chill Hours | 800–1,000 hours |
| ☀️ Sun Preference | Full sun (crucial for fruit production and sweetness) |
| 🧱 Soil Type | Well-drained loam, sandy, or slightly rocky soils |
| ⚖️ Soil pH | Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0) |
| 💧 Water Needs | Moderate; prefers consistent moisture |
| 🍎 Fruit Type | Firm, crisp, dark red to black apple; excellent keeper |
| 🌸 Flower Color | White to pale pink; spring blooming |
| 🐝 Pollination | Requires a pollinator (plant with another apple variety) |
| 🌿 Growth Habit | Upright, spreading canopy |
| ↔️ Spacing | 12–15 ft (semi-dwarf); 15–20 ft (standard) |
| 🏡 Landscape Uses | Edible landscapes, home orchards, heritage fruit collections |
| 🧹 Maintenance Level | Moderate |
Environmental Benefits
🌸 Supports early-season pollinators with spring blooms
🍎 Encourages homegrown food and local self-reliance
🌿 Provides shade, blossoms, and seasonal interest in one tree
🪶 Offers fall fruit and habitat value for birds and beneficial wildlife
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| 🍎 Excellent storage apple that improves in flavor over time | 🐝 Requires cross-pollination from another apple variety |
| 🍏 Firm texture perfect for baking, cider, and fresh eating | ❄️ Needs moderate to high chill hours (800–1,000) |
| 🌿 Compact form great for home landscapes and small orchards | ✂️ Pruning required annually for shape, airflow, and fruit quality |
| 🧬 Heritage variety with unique flavor profile | 🌱 Slower to mature than modern commercial varieties |
| 🐝 Spring blooms attract native pollinators | 💧 Needs consistent water during fruit development |
Planting & Care Guide
🛁 Water thoroughly before and after planting
🕳️ Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball; plant with graft union 2 inches above soil line
🌾 Apply 2–3 inches of mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
💦 Water weekly during the growing season, especially in dry spells
✂️ Prune in late winter to shape canopy and increase fruiting wood
🧪 Fertilize annually in early spring with a balanced fruit tree fertilizer
The Arkansas Apple Tree is a heritage fruit variety with bold flavor, dramatic appearance, and exceptional storage qualities. Whether you're planting for taste, tradition, or tree-to-table sustainability, this Southern heirloom brings character, performance, and timeless value to your orchard or edible landscape.
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