Bitterroot Pearmain: A Hidden Gem from Montana's Apple History

The mother plant from which these seeds originate was discovered growing in the Bitterroot Valley on an old 1880s homestead. While it may have once been a named variety, its growth habit, lack of structured training, and multiple main stems near the soil line suggest it may have been a seedling. If it was once a named cultivar, that name has long since been lost to history.

We’ve given this apple the name “Bitterroot Pearmain” due to its delightful, pear-like flavor and a crisp, sweet-tart profile with tropical notes.

Tasting Notes – 2023 Harvest

Pretty apple with streaky red and slight yellow striping that fades into yellow on the lower side of the fruit. The flesh shows red streaks in two latitudinal bands within otherwise white flesh. Very fruity and floral with slight banana/pear flavor. Nice crunch and moderately thick skin. Excellent aftertaste that makes you want more. Perfect ratio of sweet to tart.

Hardiness: Zone 3

A Surprise After Harvest

These apples were excellent for fresh eating, but something miraculous happened post-harvest. After storing them in the garage for a week, we tasted them again and were completely blown away—the flavor transformed into something even more exceptional.

This apple has become one we now look forward to harvesting every year.

Seed Genetics and Cold-Hardiness

While it’s unlikely this tree was alive during the historic low of -40°F on February 4, 1899, it was probably growing when Florence, MT hit -36°F in both 1936 and 1937. Given its location at a higher elevation, the tree has clearly proven itself to be a solid Zone 3 apple—and possibly even Zone 2.

Possible Pollination Sources:

• A red-fleshed crabapple on-site

• A Honeycrisp tree about 400 feet away

Because these were open-pollinated, the other parent is unknown. However, 50% of the genetics will come from Bitterroot Pearmain, with the rest potentially coming from the surrounding trees. Apples have over 57,000 genes—more than double the human genome—so even if both parents were known, you'd still expect significant genetic variability. But with this apple’s hardiness, flavor, storability, and reliability, we believe it's a risk worth taking.

Seedling Info

These trees will cross with one another, and the seedlings are small, currently measuring 4–8 inches tall.