Malus domestica 'Wolf River' Semidwarf

Wolf River Apple

Malus domestica ‘Wolf River’ is a semi-dwarf fruit tree grown for its exceptionally large apples, often blushed red over yellow-green, with tender, juicy flesh and a mildly sweet-tart flavor. This heirloom apple tree has a rounded to slightly spreading habit, white to pale pink spring blossoms, and mid- to late-season fruit that is especially valued for baking, sauce, and cooking because the slices hold up well and often need little added sugar. It is an old Wisconsin cultivar known for cold hardiness and good disease resistance.

Type: Semi-dwarf fruit tree
Mature Size: 12–15' wide x 12–15' high
USDA Zones: 3a–8b
Form: Rounded, slightly spreading
Light: Full sun
Soil / Water: Loamy, well-drained soil / moderate, consistent moisture
Bloom Time / Length: Mid spring / 1–2 weeks
Wildlife: Bees and other pollinators attracted to spring flowers.

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent for home orchards and edible landscapes, especially in colder regions. Fruit typically ripens in September and is best known for its huge size and usefulness in pies, baking, sauce, and drying. Plant with another compatible apple variety nearby for reliable pollination and 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 heavy crops as needed to improve fruit size and support consistent production.

Plant type

Fruit Tree

Height

12-15'

Width

12-15'

Hardiness zones

3–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Mid Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Fruit color

Crimson

Attracts

Bees, Birds

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich

Landscape use

Fruit

Shape

Rounded, Spreading, Upright

Bark

Fissured

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No