Baldwin Apple Tree

William Butters found this chance apple tree near Wood Hill (close to modern day Wilmington, MA). Research suggests Butters discovered this apple around 1740 making it one of the oldest apples in the new world. A couple people helped to spread this apple, culminating in Col. Loammi Baldwin who propagated it widely; it is from his propagation that the apple gets its name. Originally used as a standard eating apple, it gained popularity for its cider making properties and has been used in cider production for well over 200 years. It is not widely known after a devastating winter in the 1930s wiping out over half the trees. The apple is small, garnet in color, and hard. The Baldwin's hardness makes it exceptionally easy to ship and resists bruising, pests, and blights. The apple is great for baking as its hardness helps it maintain its shape when cooked. This also makes the Baldwin an excellent storer. Regular pruning is needed to prevent biennialism. Fruit forms on spurs along the entire