SCIENTIFIC NAME: Malus domestica 'McIntosh'

COMMON NAME: McIntosh Apple

GARDEN SIZE: Depends on root stock - Dwarf 8-10 ft. tall and wide, Semi-Dwarf 12-15 ft. tall and wide, Standard/Full 15-20’ tall and wide, Espalier varies with culture

USDA ZONE: 4-8

EXPOSURE: Full Sun

WATER & SOIL: Loamy & well drained soil

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; Green

BLOOM TIME: Early-midseason - Flowering Group 2

HARVEST TIME: Late-midseason, ripens mid-September

FRUIT: A round apple covered in swirls of muted red and spring green, varying in pattern based on how sunlight hits the growing apple. The bright white flesh has a tart flavor that sweetens as the apple matures. Its texture is tender and quickly breaks down into a puree when cooked.

POLLENIZATION: Not self-fertile - needs a compatible pollenization partner nearby to produce fruit.

POLLENIZATION (Trees that pollenize this one): Anna, Colonnade Golden Sentinel, Colonnade Scarlet Sentinel, CrimsonCrisp, Fuji, Golden Russet, Granny Smith, Hardy Cumberland, Jonathan, Pink Lady, Royal Red Honeycrisp, Sweet Sixteen, Urban Apple 'Blushing Delight', Urban Apple 'Golden Treat', Urban Apple 'Tangy Green', Wolf River, Zestar!

POLLENIZATION (Trees that are pollenized by this one): Anna, Arkansas Black, Colonnade Golden Sentinel, Colonnade Scarlet Sentinel, CrimsonCrisp, Fuji, Golden Russet, Granny Smith, Hardy Cumberland, Jonathan, Liberty, Pink Lady, Royal Red Honeycrisp, Sweet Sixteen, Urban Apple 'Blushing Delight', Urban Apple 'Golden Treat', Urban Apple 'Tangy Green', Winesap, Wolf River, Zestar!

CARE: Prune while the tree is dormant. Remove water sprouts in June or July. Options for controlling pests, bacterial infections, and fungal disease include dormant oils applied early in the season before blooming, scented insect traps, and copper-based fungicides. DO NOT apply insecticides during blooming. This risks harming bees, which are crucial for pollination and fruit production. If necessary, fireblight can be treated with a streptomycin antibiotic spray during blooming. Apple trees need about an inch of water every 7-10 days, though young trees need a little more during their first growing season as they establish roots. If not enough rain has fallen, give the tree extra water by running a hose at a trickle around the base of the tree until the ground is fully soaked (but not for so long that there is standing water). Waterlogged roots can harm apple trees, so don't overdo it!

DISEASE RESISTANCE: Good general disease resistance, somewhat resistant to cedar apple rust, susceptible to fireblight and apple scab.

USES: Eating fresh, cooking, juice, cider, puree

TOXICITY: Stems, leaves, and seeds contain cyanide and are therefore toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. The fruit is non-toxic.