My tree arrived in great shape. Although it was barerooted,, when planted, in spring,
and it began leafing-out in just about a week or two. Love its greenish tinged stem. Still growing!
Wolf River Apple Tree
Starting at
$39.99
Each
Description
Fruit weighs up to a pound, each! Tree is strong and disease-resistant to apple scab, fire blight, and powdery mildew. Characteristically large fruit is perfect for cooking and sauce – holds its shape and requires very little additional sugar. Antique variety, originates from Wolf River, Wisconsin, circa 1870s. Cold-hardy. Ripens in late September. Pollinator required: Choose another apple variety. See recommended pollinators below.
Survival Guaranteed!
Since 1816, Stark Bro’s has promised to provide customers with the very best fruit trees and plants. It’s just that simple. If your trees or plants do not survive, please let us know within one year of delivery. We will send you a free one-time replacement, with a nominal shipping fee of $9.99. If the item in question is not available, we can issue a one-time credit to your account equaling the original product purchase price or issue you a refund. Read more about our warranty policy.
Characteristics
| Bloom Color | White |
| Bloom Time | Early |
| Chill Hours | 1000 |
| Fruit Color | Red |
| Fruit Size | Large |
| Hardiness Zone Range | 3 - 8 |
| Pollination | Pollinator Required |
| Ripens/Harvest | Late September |
| Shade/Sun | Full Sun |
| Soil Composition | Loamy |
| Soil Moisture | Well Drained |
| Soil pH Level | 6.0 - 7.0 |
| Taste | Tart |
| Texture | Tender |
| Years to Bear | 2 - 5 |
Size & Spacing
Mature Size
The mature size of this variety depends on the version you choose to plant:
| Semi-Dwarf | 12 - 15' tall x 12 - 15' wide |
| Dwarf | 8 - 10' tall x 8 - 10' wide |
Recommended Spacing
The space needed for this variety to grow depends on the size you plant:
| Semi-Dwarf | 12 - 15' |
| Dwarf | 8 - 10' |
Zone Compatibility
This Variety's Zone Range
3 - 8
My Hardiness Zone
?
The USDA hardiness zones offer a guide to varieties that will grow well in certain climates. Each zone corresponds to the minimum winter temperatures experienced in a given area. Make sure that your hardiness zone lies within the zone compatibility range of this variety before ordering.
Pollination
Tools & Supplies
Planting & Care
Learn all about how to grow apple trees in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.
Shipping Information
Arrives when it's time to plant
Your success is our priority. We work hard to make sure that your order arrives at the ideal time for planting in your location based on your local climate conditions.
Questions & Answers
Have a question? Ask owners.
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Why did you choose this?
Can I use a Cortland apple tree to pollinate the wolf river?
Yes, they both bloom fairly early and have overlapping bloom times, so they will cross-pollinate one another for fruit production.
My tree won't fruit. Pollinators include william's pride, gold rush, fuji. What should I pay attention to or change? Growing in East Central Indiana
My Wolf River is too young to fruit, but I was told to plant a HoneyCrisp within 20 feet of it for Pollination so I did. Time will tell. I had a huge WR in my yard that bore bushels of fruit and I did not plant any Pollinators near it. Go figure. My grandfather used to graft WR's by the hundreds over in Ironwood Michigan and there still are thousands of those trees around. They originated in Wolf River Wisconsin which was not all that far away. When they say it's a "3 apple pie" apple it's true. They grow HUGE and three will make a full 9 inch pie! Besides they taste great. My dad grew one in Detroit many, many years ago but that is the furthest south I've heard of them Don't know if it's where you live or not. Hope it does...you'll love it.
Can this Semi draft tree be growing on a 8 ft trellis?
Yes with the work of any espalier
How many pounds of apples will this tree produce?
Generally the yield of an apple tree is expressed in bushels. You can read about the Estimated Yield for Fruit Trees here: http://www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/estimated-yield-for-fruit-trees
Can wolf apples live In fl?
Our website has a special feature that will help you find the best plants for you to grow in your area. Simply enter your zip code in our Hardiness Zone Finder and as you browse our page, you’ll see a small check mark next to products that are hardy to your growing zone!
https://www.starkbros.com/zone-finder
How do you know when they are ready to pick?
Hi Linda, Wolf River apples start begins to ripen in late September, depending on location. Apples tell you they’re ripe by losing the last traces of their green background color and developing full, bright color. Most important, they become less tangy-tart and sweeter in taste. You’ll also notice the seeds turn from white to brown. When picking, just lift them upward quickly. If they’re ready, they will come loose without damage to the tree. If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us, remember that we're here for you. Have a great day!
do they produce fruit every year?
Many species of apple trees will produce fruit every year -- provided they're grown in the right conditions and don't sustain any damage. In some situations, your tree may fall into producing fruit only every second year.
Is this rust resistant?
This variety is disease-resistant to apple scab, fire blight, and powdery mildew.
Will a honeycrisp pollinate the wolf river?
Unfortunately, they will not work. The Wolf River blooms too early.
Would Wolf River and Granny Smith pollinate Liberty?
Can't tell you. I chose to plant it due to its origination near by.
Its yet to produce .
Customer Reviews
82 Ratings
2 Customer Photos
1-10 of 82 Reviews
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 12, 2025
Wolf River Apple
Rated 5 out of 5
Jan 6, 2025
Nice tree
My wolf tree did fantastic it grew very fast I hope it gives me apples this year.I like how it is a zone 3 to get through my winters in upstate north country.
Rated 5 out of 5
Sep 12, 2024
Wolf River apple tree
My first year Wolf River apple tree arrived very healthy and big. It's growing well and I have big hopes for it!
Rated 5 out of 5
Aug 14, 2024
Apple trees!
Very nice healthy trees! Came in very healthy and moist!
Rated 5 out of 5
Aug 3, 2024
Surprised and Impressed
When the tree arrived it looked quite dormant (very very dead), but I planted, fertilized and watered it, and about a week later it started to show some possible signs of life, and then within three more days the leaves were out. It is now about 2-3 months after planting and it look great. I was very pleased, and glad I didn't let myself be discouraged by the initial impression.
I've had great luck with Stark Bros dating back to 1989, so I will continue to use them!
I've had great luck with Stark Bros dating back to 1989, so I will continue to use them!
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 10, 2024
I like the bare root shipping because it's easy to prune any misshaped roots.
This was a good year for new trees lots of frequent rains made this tree do its best.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 5, 2024
Had set this tree along with the Stark Golden Delicious, it is doing fine but the deer decided.to let them r÷r
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 2, 2024
Nice tree
I had a wolf river tree at my previous home and it produced huge apples, can't wait to see the how this one does.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jun 24, 2024
Tree has leafed out well and shows no sign of cedar apple rust, despite spring conditions that were perfect for the disease.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jun 17, 2024
Wolf River apple tree
Young tree. Looking forward to it producing great apples in the near future. Starks is my go to for all of my fruit trees.
Started one a few years ago and lost it to a storm. Was a little disappointed since it was first year it had apples too try. Replacing it with another one to try.
For pollinating my Gravenstein.
Disease resistance.
Trying a new variety hoping for better cold tolerance results.