High Plains Environmental Center

Heirloom Fruit Orchard

Northern Colorado was once a significant fruit growing region. In the beginning of the 20th century fruit production (specifically cherries) was a leading industry in what is now Larimer County.

The first cherry tree was planted in 1864 in the Big Thompson Valley. Most deciduous fruit trees thrive in Colorado’s climate, and by the early 1900’s the fruit industry had become one of the largest in the region.

Heirloom species of Apples, Plums, Cherries, Peaches, and Blackberries have been planted in HPEC’s Heirloom Fruit Orchard. These varieties were selected to celebrate and preserve an important piece of Colorado’s agricultural heritage, which can be traced back to the 1860’s.

HPEC Heirloom Fruit Orchard Species List

APPLES

Haas
Wealthy
Goodhue
Gravenstein
Maiden Blush
Flower of Kent
Johnny Appleseed
Colorado Orange Apple
Hung Hai Tung Crabapple
Utter’s Red
Patricia
Renowned
Pitmaston Pineapple
Duchess of Oldenburg

CHERRIES

Bing
Black Tartarian
Montmorency

PEACHES

Elberta
Red Haven
Reliance

PLUMS

Santa Rosa
Stanley
Toka

BLACKBERRIES

Prime Ark Freedom