Narrative
Type = American Hybrid. Per Bushburg Catalogue (see citation): "Some suppose it to be a seedling of Marion, crossed with Black Hamburg, introduced by N.B. White of Norwood, Mass. It has, however, continuous tendrils, indicating Labrusca mixture. Described in Ellwanger and Barry's catalogue (by the originator) as follows: Bunch large, shouldered like the hamburg; berry large, frequently oblong; holds persistently to the bunch; amber colored at first, but grows darker till it becomes a deep purple grape, almost black, flesh tender, rich, and seeds small; plant a strong grower, with thick leaves, somewhat downy on the underside. Fruit eatable in August, and with proper care will keep all winter. Some clusters do not fill well, showing that it is not fully self-fertilizing; it is also very prone to mildew". Per Hedrick (see citation): "Vine a strong grower, usually hardy, produces light crops except in favored locations, both leaves and fruit subject to attacks of fungal diseases. Leaves above medium size, roundish,rather thick. Flowers sterile or nearly so, practicaly incapable of setting fruit when self-fertilized, open about in mid-season and bloom a long time; stamens reflexed. Fruit variable in season of ripening, sometimes before, at other times after Concord, usually requires more than one picking to secure the fruit at its best, does not keep well as the berries soon wither. Clusters variable in size but not large, usually loose and open but sometimes compact. Berries not uniform in size, roundish to oval, dark red covered with more or less lilac bloom, somewhat resembling Catawba in color, not very firm as the berries oon shrivel, persistant. Flesh very juicy, soft and tender, mildly sweet at skin to acid at center, good to very good in quality. Seeds variable in size, frequently with enlarged neck; chalaza distinctly above center."