Key Points
- Origin: Shenandoah seedling, selected by Larry Byrd.
- Fruit: large (~225-400 g and more), light yellow pulp, creamy texture, low seed content.
- Ripening: mid-early (early September).
- Tree: 4.5–6 m, medium-high growth.
- Hardiness: USDA 5–9, down to −25...−28 °C.
- Pollination: cross-pollination required, another variety needed.
- Resistance: declared disease resistance, requires crown ventilation.
- Availability: commercially promoted (Peaceful Heritage Nursery).
Variety Description
Origin and Selection
Originates as a Shenandoah seedling, selection by Larry Byrd — hence the name Free Byrd. Sources list it as a “seedling of Shenandoah, selected by Larry Byrd”.
Fruit — Size, Pulp, Taste
Size: Peaceful Heritage and other catalogs describe it as ≈225-400 g, with some reporting “large to jumbo”. Expect large fruits, often >200 g. Color/Texture: light yellow pulp, dense/creamy, “rich custard texture”. Taste: described as “luscious/rich” — intense dessert flavor, Peterson-style quality. Seeds: noted for a low seed percentage and a good pulp-to-seed ratio.
Phenology (Ripening Times)
Ripens in early September at Peaceful Heritage Nursery and according to enthusiast reports — i.e., early-mid season (though local conditions may shift this by ±1–3 weeks). This variety may be promising for regions with short growing seasons due to its early ripening.
Tree: Size and Growth Power
Nursery descriptions: maturity size is ≈4.5–6 m with proper care; vegetative vigor is mentioned as good/medium-high.
Agro-technical Characteristics
Peaceful Heritage labels it as “disease resistant”; however, official university trial results (e.g., for Phyllosticta tolerance) are not publicly available. In practice, expect typical Asimina triloba sensitivity to humid conditions, requiring good crown ventilation.
Availability and Commercial Information
Peaceful Heritage Nursery (USA) is the primary seller/promoter of Free Byrd. It appears in several smaller nurseries/collections and community discussions, indicating the variety is gaining practical feedback but is not yet “mainstream” in large North American catalogs.
Practical Observation and Reviews
Several gardeners growing/grafting Free Byrd have posted positive feedback regarding taste and texture, sometimes noting it as a “Shenandoah seedling worth attention”. While promising, these informal sources do not replace controlled trial data.