Malus pumila 'Arkansas Black' ~ Arkansas Black Apple

The Arkansas Black Apple is a heirloom apple variety that originated in the mid-19th century in Benton County, Arkansas, United States. Here are some key details about this apple:

1. Appearance: The Arkansas Black Apple is known for its striking appearance. It has a deep, almost black skin that develops a waxy sheen as it matures. The flesh of the apple is firm, crisp, and yellowish-white in color.

2. Flavor: This apple is known for its complex flavor profile. It has a pleasantly tart taste with hints of sweetness and a subtle spiciness. The flavor becomes richer and sweeter after the apple has been stored for a few months.

3. Harvest Time: The apples are typically harvested in late October or early November. However, they are not usually at their best right after picking. The flavor and texture of the Arkansas Black Apple improve with proper storage for a few months.

MAINTENANCE NEEDS: High Maintenance.  Water Regularly.  Potential issues include apple scab, cedar apple rust, fire blight, leaf spot and and powdery mildew.  Possible pests are aphids, maggots, boreres, and spider mites.  Most commercially available Apples are grafted onto their rootstock, resulting in dwarf (8-10ft), Semi-dwarf (12-15ft) or standard tree heights all with full sized fruits.  Ask the provider the rootstock classification for estimated size. Dwarf stock is easier to maintain and produces fruit at an earlier age.
LANDSCAPE USES:  Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Wildlife Gardens, Shade Tree, Edible Garden, and Container.

COMPANION PLANTS: Apple, Shasta Daisy, Bugleweed

IMAGES: Forest & Kim Starr, Starr-160103-3379-Malus pumila-Arkansas Black fruit-Piiholo-Maui (26673327260), CC BY 3.0 US, (2) Gphoto, Arkansas Black apples (cropped), CC BY-SA 3.0, (3) I, Arkansas Black Apple, CC BY-SA 4.0

* As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.