very old conversation, but I wanted to add something for anyone that comes along. I doubted the 'changing genetics' as well. but it is, in fact, true. For example, a 2019 study was released showing the differences in a stand of old-growth 100-year-old sitka spruce trees. Between the. base of the tree and newer growth at the top, they found over 100,000 genetic mutations.
So, as one poster in this string said, at a certain point we really are chasing ghosts when we seek an heirloom.
