Apple Once Thought Extinct Discovered In Pullman By WSU Student

A Washington State University student has helped rediscover an apple variety once thought extinct.

Last fall, WSU student Tayettin Brodzinski was taking a break from studying and walking near Lawson Gardens in Pullman when she noticed an apple tree she had never paid attention to before.

“I lived near Lawson Gardens and it’s a great place to take a relaxing walk,” said Brodzinski, who will start work on a master’s degree in horticulture at WSU this fall.

This Apple Had Been In The Heart Of Pullman The Whole Time

“I had been walking to the garden for over a year and never noticed that tree was an apple tree,” Brodzinski added. “They looked like Golden Delicious apples, but I wasn’t sure, so I grabbed a leaf and took it to class.”

The results of the DNA testing were surprising.

Professor Cameron Peace says the tree’s genetic profile matched samples linked to the long-lost Walbridge apple, a popular heirloom variety once widely grown across the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West before disappearing from commercial production.

“Dr. Peace said, ‘Do you know what you’ve found?’” Brodzinski said. “I said I thought it was just a Golden Delicious, but he was really excited.”

What Happened To The Walbridge?

Walbridge was once renowned throughout the west winning numerous awards at county fairs. Originating in Illinois in the early 1800s, the variety was very popular in the Midwest before moving west with settlers. It thrived in the western states, from Colorado to Washington, where it was planted in the thousands and praised for its cold hardiness, resilience, reliability, and shelf stability.

Over time, Walbridge fell into obscurity and was eventually forgotten. Industrial-scale production of limited apple varieties took over markets nationally, replacing Walbridge and many other popular heirloom varieties.

Researchers with the Historic Fruit Tree Working Group compared DNA, historical records, and fruit characteristics from multiple trees and now believe the Walbridge apple has been successfully rediscovered. The variety is being propagated for preservation and future cultivation.

Dean's Ready For A Taste

“This is a fantastic find for a student to make, especially in a course about genetics,” said Raj Khosla, Cashup Davis Family Endowed Dean of WSU’s College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. “I’m excited that CAHNRS faculty such as Dr. Peace are challenging our students and creating opportunities that encourages students to make their own discoveries in the field. I’m also excited to try a Walbridge apple!”

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