Which States Grow Transparent Apple Trees?

The 'Yellow Transparent' apple was imported from Russia by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1870. The tree is found throughout the country's northern apple-growing regions, from New England to the Northern Plains to the Pacific Northwest. A National Park Service report says the transparent apple's skin is "thin, tender, smooth, waxy, dotted and always transparent but changes color from pale greenish-yellow to an attractive yellowish-white." The medium-sized tree has yellowish bark and pink or white flowers.

In Virginia, the 'Yellow Transparent' apple is commonly known as the June apple. According to Urban Homestead, specialists in old Virginia apple trees, the transparent yellow apple "comes into bearing very early and yields immense crops. Fruit is medium to large with greenish-yellow skin, nearly white when fully ripe."

Big Horse Creek Farm in North Carolina, specialists in antique and heirloom apple trees, says the 'Yellow Transparent' apple tree, also called early transparent, Russian transparent, white transparent and early June transparent, is resistant to cedar apple rust and scab, and can be grown in all areas of the South including the warmer coastal plain.

The 'Yellow Transparent' is a classic northern New England summer apple, and in Maine it is known for large crops and early apples. Called "transparent" because one can practically see through the clear pale yellow waxy smooth skin, its soft ripe fruit has sweet white juicy flesh that is just the right texture for applesauce. Transparent apples are good to eat but only for a day or so after ripening, after which time they become mealy.

'Yellow Transparent' apple trees grow in Oregon, maturing mid-summer, from July 10 to 25, in the Lower Hood River, Malheur, Douglas County and Josephine County districts of Oregon. The apple’s skin color is creamy yellow when mature.

The 'Yellow Transparent' apple's value was first brought to the attention of Americans by Dr. T. H. Hoskins of Newport, Vermont, according to the Native Seeds website. Orchardists in Vermont grow a diverse variety of apples, including the 'Yellow Transparent.'

Because of Montana’s short growing season, dry conditions and harsh winters, only the sturdiest apple trees survive. Transparent apples mature early, have a short shelf life and are best eaten right after picking or used to make applesauce or apple butter.

'Yellow Transparent' apples grow in Wisconsin, even in parts of the state with cold winters and short summers. The apple ripens in late July to mid-August in Northern Wisconsin and other states bordering Canada. It is described by the Edible Forest Nursery as "great for sauce and pies...good for drying, poor for fresh eating in warm climates, but good in areas where nights are cool at ripening time."

The 'Yellow Transparent' apple tree is also found in Kentucky, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Indiana where its fruit ripens in July. In the spring, fragrant long-lasting pink or white flowers of the tree attract bees, butterflies and birds.