Duchess of Oldenburg

This early Russian apple variety was reported to be growing on Orcas and San Juan Islands as early as 1889 and was available from Bostian's Crystal Springs Nursery on Orcas. It is still growing in at least one orchard on San Juan Island. Also known as Oldenburg and Duchess, this variety originates in Russia and was imported into the U.S. from England by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society in 1835 (along with Alexander, Tetofski, and Red Astrachan). The fruit are medium, round, striped yellow apples. Considered and excellent cooking apple.

You can view watercolors of Duchess of Oldenburg in the USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection.