Bear Paw

Plants average 4.4' tall with green and red stems, 1-3 tillers per plant. Leaves pendant. Tassels have primary branching, avg 16" long. Small, conical ears with distinct fasciation on tip, white kernels and cobs, avg 22 rows in an irregular pattern. Ears avg 3.6" long, 1.4" wide. Ear set avgs 2 per plant. Kernels pop type, pearly white colored, pointed, and small. Very low root and stalk lodging when grown in 2011. Tasseled mid-season. This variety was bred by Glenn Thompson of Johnson, VT in the late 1920s. Grown on his farm at the head of Hogback Road, many local young people earned pocket change by husking the ears of corn for 15 cents per bushel. The corn was sold throughout New England as Bear Paw popcorn from the Depression era until 1968 when Glenn's health declined. Glenn's daughter recalled that the popcorn was exhibited by the state of Vermont at the World's Fair in New York City in 1939. Named for the unique flattened shape of the ear. Acquired by SSE from the Abundant Life Seed Foundation. SSE Accession # 108164