Columnar apple tree--Hercules variety

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of apple tree is provided which exhibits a columnar growth habit that generally resembles a vertical pole. The growth habit is more compact than the previously released varieties of columnar apple trees. The new variety resulted from a cross between the WIJCIK variety (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 4,382) and the GREENSLEEVES variety (non-patented in the United States). Flowers form earlier than on the other varieties of columnar apple tres. The new variety forms attractive large light green fruit with a red flush. The fruit configuration is irregular, round and conical with a prominent knobby crown. The fruit flesh is cream colored. The harvest date typically is late September. The fruit can be cold-stored until March-April while present in an ambient atmosphere. The fruit stews and bakes well and has a crisp, tart, and sweet taste.

I claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct variety of apple tree having the following combination of characteristics: (a) exhibits a columnar growth habit that is more compact than that of previously available columnar apple varieties,   (b) flowers earlier than other previously available columnar apple varieties,   (c) forms attractive large light green fruit with a red flush possessing an irregular round conical configuration with a prominent knobby crown that can be cold-stored until approximately March-April while present in an ambient atmosphere, and   (d) commonly exhibits a late September harvest date; substantially as herein shown and described.