Malus domestica 'Northern Spy'

Northern Spy Apple

Malus domestica ‘Northern Spy’ is a fruit tree grown for its medium to large late-season apples with greenish-yellow skin striped and flushed red, firm crisp flesh, and a rich sweet-tart flavor. This heirloom apple tree has a rounded, somewhat spreading habit, white spring blossoms, and dependable fall fruit prized for fresh eating, pies, baking, sauce, and cider. It is especially valued for its excellent keeping quality and old-fashioned flavor.

Type: Fruit tree
Mature Size: 15–20' wide x 15–20' high
USDA Zones: 4a–7b
Form: Rounded, spreading
Light: Full sun
Soil / Water: Fertile, well-drained soil / moderate, consistent moisture
Bloom Time / Length: Mid to late spring / 1–2 weeks
Wildlife: Bees and other pollinators attracted to spring flowers.

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent for home orchards and edible landscapes. Fruit typically ripens in mid to late fall and stores very well. ‘Northern Spy’ is known as an excellent dual-purpose apple for both fresh use and cooking. It is not self-fruitful and should be planted with a compatible apple variety nearby for pollination and reliable fruit set.

Care: Plant in full sun with good air circulation. Water regularly during establishment and during dry periods. Prune annually in late winter to maintain structure and fruiting wood, and thin fruit as needed for better size and more consistent production.

Plant type

Fruit Tree

Height

15-20'

Width

15-20'

Hardiness zones

4–7

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Fruit color

Salmon

Attracts

Bees, Birds

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich

Landscape use

Fruit

Shape

Rounded, Spreading

Bark

Fissured

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No