Does anyone know the real name of June apples?

Answer 1

A June apple is an early ripening variety of apple, maturing in the spring in the southern United States. It tends to be smaller and more tart then later-ripening apples. The late Mt. Airy, North Carolina, fiddler Tommy Jarrell (b. 1901) sang
Wish I was a June Apple
Hanging on a tree
Every time my true love passed
She'd take a little bite of me

Apparently this apple was used in spirits also. The book 'More Mountain Spirits' mentions " The tremendous variety of brandies produced, formerly and/or currently in the Appalachians, including split brandy, apple brandy, apple/syrup brandy, Hog Sweet Apple brandy, Streaked June Apple brandy, peach brandy, crabapple brandy, plum brandy, and blackberry brandy." in section I, chapter 2: page 33-48.


Today there is the 'June Sweeting' apple and the old Southern apple called 'Carolina Red June' noted for early harvest. But the apple most likely the one in the song is 'Margaret'

www.bighorsecreekfarm.com lists 'Margaret' (Early Margaret, Early Striped Juneating, Striped June) - A very old variety originating in England and sold in the South for many years as Striped June or Early Striped June. Margaret is characterized by its small to medium size with an oblong to slightly conical shape. The skin is yellow with dark red striping concentrated most at the stem end. The crisp, white flesh is tender, juicy, and quite flavorful for an early season apple. Ripens June to July.

Answer 2

Sorry, I've only heard of Mayapples: Podophyllum peltatum.

I thought June apple was just an early ripening apple variety common in the South. May even be a crabapple??

Answer 3

I couldn't find it. But try this website. Maybe you can find it by looking at the pics and descriptions.


http://www.pickyourown.org/apples.htm

Good luck!!