Identifying an apple

[Bowsnbucks]

How / where does one go about identifying an unknown apple ?? I have access to several trees that hang late and drop slowly all winter, but have no idea what variety they are. I've shared some scion with Greyphase and I'd love to know just what they are. I've grafted several of them myself and they seem to grow well afterward. They are VERY old trees and produce each year. Can a scion be the identifying item or an actual apple ??

Any advice is welcome.

 

[Turkey Creek]

The actual apple, rough date of maturity, visual presence of a graft union, foliage to a limited extent, bloom time in comparison to other known cultivars, geographic location, just a few things that can help.

I would guess that a plant genetics lab could also narrow it down, but not sure that the cost would be worth it.

 

[Bowsnbucks]

Thanks TC. I'll have to eyeball the bloom time this spring, then grab some apples this fall. I'll look for a graft union scar - might be tough to see after all these years. I'd guess these trees are over 65 years old for sure - maybe 80 ??