Fameuse Snow Apple
While records of this apple date back to the early 1700s, the Fameuse apple truly gained in popularity in the 1850s in Quebec, Canada due to its extreme cold hardiness. It is also a late bloomer. Excerpts from Le Journal d'Agriculture Illustre mention it being a popular export to England at the time. This apple fell out of style the late 1860s after something destroyed the Fameuse crop in Quebec.
The tree is dense and moderately vigorous. Its blooms are snow white and wonderfully fragrant that can handle frosts. The apples are small, bright shiny red in color, and wonderfully sweet with a vinous and spicy flavor. Most people use it for fresh eating or juices. It is resistant to several apple diseases (though should be sprayed for Apple Scab) and should be pruned consistently to stave off its biennial tendencies.
USDA Zone: 3-9
Mature Heights:
B.9: ~10-12' or 35% of Standard; Dwarf
M.9 ~12-14' or 45% of Standard; Dwarf
Sun: Full Sun
Bloom Group: 2, Early Mid Season
Ripening Time: October
Pollination: Required