Dearborn’s Unknown: A Rediscovered Northern Heirloom

Believed to be a possible cross between Rescue × Chinese Golden Early × Summer Red, Dearborn’s Unknown was once widely grown in Alaska during the 1980s. The variety nearly vanished—until a fortunate rediscovery helped preserve its legacy.

Over 30 years ago, Bob Purvis gave scion wood of Dearborn’s Unknown to Ed Schultz. Decades later, Bob was unable to find anyone still growing the tree. Knowing Ed had recently replanted his orchard, Bob asked—somewhat pessimistically—if Ed knew of anyone who still had Dearborn’s Unknown. To Bob’s surprise, Ed had chosen it as one of the few varieties he decided to replant. Ed generously returned the favor by giving Bob new scion wood, effectively rescuing and reviving this cold-hardy apple crab.

Cold Hardiness and Flavor Potential

While we haven’t yet tasted the fruit, if it shares characteristics with Rescue, it likely offers a spicy, flavorful profile. What’s beyond doubt is its extraordinary resilience: Dearborn’s Unknown suffered no winter damage during the -47°F freeze at Ed Schultz’s orchard and is believed to be hardy to -50°F or lower.

Grafted on Ultra-Hardy Rootstock

Our trees are grafted onto full-size Dolgo rootstock, renowned for its extreme cold tolerance—rated to -60°F. This makes Dearborn’s Unknown an excellent choice for growers in the coldest northern climates.

The photo shown is of a Rescue apple, not Dearborn’s Unknown. While we don’t have a verified image of Dearborn’s Unknown, it is said to resemble Rescue, but with slightly larger size and deeper red coloring.