Kerr is a vigorous, upright, and sturdy tree. It has an attractive habit, with strong, wide-angled branches. It is a reliable cropper, very productive, and resistant to fireblight and scab. It is cold hardy to -50°F! Bloom is profuse, and the flowers are white. This is an excellent choice for the organic gardener. The kids will love it too.

This is one of the best apple and crabapple crosses available. The fruit is almost two inches diameter and fully colored a deep, dark crimson over a creamy yellow background. The flesh is yellowish, very crisp and juicy. The flavor is sharp with just enough sugar to be palatable. The aromatics are distinctly rose-like. These apples are the perfect snack size; they are also excellent for cooking, canning, jelly, and juicing. They are an outstanding storage apple–keeping for up to four months–and will hang on the tree well into winter, when the rose notes will intensify dramatically.

Kerr is a cross of Dolgo crab and Haralson apple. It was crossed in 1938 and the selection was made by W. L. Kerr at the Canada Experimental Farm in 1944. The cultivar was released in 1952.