Being (quite possibly) the cold hardiest of trees, and a nut pine, and one of the few truly cold hardy nut pines that maintains a Christmas tree shape throughout much of its life, you might say that this is the most likely candidate species for the food forest owned by Santa Claus. UNDERSTORY LAYER* Cold hardiness zones: 1 – 9 […]
Also known as wild plum, this prolific dainty can produce from 100 – 150 pounds of fruit per year! And it just might be the most cold hardy, PH tolerant of all the food-worthy plum tree species. And yes, they’re even eligible for making prunes… or Christmas plum pudding… or any other plum recipe, for that matter. UNDERSTORY LAYER Cold […]
Probably the cold-hardiest of all tasty edible apricots. UNDERSTORY LAYER Cold hardiness zones: 3 – 7 (can withstand cold to -40° F, -40 C) Soil PH: 6.0 to 7.5 Watering needs: Medium. Drought tolerant once established. Blooming Season: Early spring.i Just be aware that Manchurian apricots only blossom every two or three years. This is healthy and natural, and doesn’t […]
Yes, it is indeed the quintessential, typical domestic apple—with hundreds if not thousands of varieties. But there is nothing typical about its story, nor its history. Plus, because it’s been utilized by people for so long, and been bred so many different ways, there are SO MANY options. You can get the apple varieties that are just right for your […]
So bring us some figgy pudding, so bring us some… wait! Make that nannyberry pudding! UNDERSTORY LAYER Cold hardiness zones: 2 – 8 (can withstand cold to -50° F, or -45 C) Soil PH: 5.0 to 8.0 (alkaline tolerant, but can be sensitive to salt) Watering needs: Average, prefers moist ground. Can withstand sopping wet ground,i but can also tolerate […]
True, it’s not actually a cherry, but this tasty little fruit has its own delicious appeal. UNDERSTORY LAYER Cold hardiness zones: 4 – 8 (Can withstand cold down to -30° F, or -34° C)i Soil PH: 5.0 – 8.0ii Watering needs: Average, does okay in damp soil, but doesn’t like sopping wet soil. Fairly drought tolerant (for short periods) once […]
They’re cute, they’re tasty, and they can grow almost anywhere! Why wouldn’t you want this food forest pioneer? Just don’t get poked…
Also known as Mexican elderberry or tapiro, this is possibly the tastiest of the elderberries.
AKA juneberry, AKA shadbush, AKA saskatoon, AKA Snowy Mespilus, AKA apple serviceberry, AKA quite-possibly-the-best-little-berry-you’ll-ever-find-growing-on-a-tree.
Ah, nuts! These things are great if you can beat the deer to them.