Misc. Scionwood

Species: Morus rubra x M. alba

History: Illinois Everbearing was discovered in Illinois, US by the Wabash River and is a natural cross between red mulberries (M. rubra) and white mulberries (M. alba). It was discovered by Peter Glaser in 1947 and likely selected for its excellent fruit quality and everbearing nature. Named for its State of origin and long harvest window, Illinois Everbearing was released in 1958 by Burgess Seed and Plant Co. in Michigan and has since become one of the most popular mulberries in North America.

Why We Grow It: Illinois Everbearing produces large, almost seedless mulberries with an excellent flavour. They are great for eating fresh, baking, or making into jams. Better yet, these excellent mulberries ripen from July into September, providing a wide window to enjoy these tasty treats. The tree itself is hardy and vigorous but is relatively easy to keep pruned to a smaller size. 

Species: Hippohae rhamnoides

History: This scionwood is collected from one of our male mother plants. This may come from any of the male varieties we offer! 

Why We Grow It: Male sea buckthorn plants are vigorous and strong pollinators. Although they do not produce berries, they are also useful as fodder, ornamentally, and as erosion control. Sea Buckthorn also have nodules on their roots which help fix nitrogen into the ground, and are a common plant in permaculture orchards for this natural 'fertilizer' effect on plants in their vicinity.

Species: Mespilus germanica

History: Native to parts of Europe and the Middle East, Medlars have been cultivated for thousands of years with records dating back to Ancient Greece and Rome. As one of the few fruits to ripen in the winter, they were an important food plant for a long time. Many literary works, including Shakespeare, reference medlars and often make crass jokes due to their appearance. As better storage and transportation made it easier to access more popular fruits out of season, medlars began to fade out of popularity around the 1800s and are now rarely cultivated.

Why We Grow It: Medlars are truly a unique fruit! When ripe, they are hard and inedible but if you let them blet (essentially rot) they develop a taste and texture similar to applesauce. They can be eaten raw or used to make things like medlar cheese or medlar jelly. It is certainly an acquired taste but a fun option if you are looking or something unique and/or want to enjoy your own fruit into the winter.

Species: Prunus pumila var. besseyi (Western sandcherry) x P. salicina (Japanese Plum)

History: Opata was developed by Dr. N.E. Hansen who was a professor of horticulture at South Dakota State University from 1895 to 1950. He helped pioneer chum development in an effort to create plants hardy enough to survive in the northern prairies. Opata is the Sioux word for 'bouquet', following Hansen's tradition of naming his native plant crosses after words from local indigenous cultures.  

Why We Grow It: Opata produces a red chum with yellow flesh that is freestone, firm, juicy, and considered to be one of the better tasting chums. It is pleasantly sweet with only a hint of acidity. It is good for fresh eating as well as jams, jellies, preserves, and pies. Like other chums, the shrub itself is compact, cold hardy, and relatively free of pests and disease.