{"title":"Best Plants for Pollinators","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 4 varieties in our catalog that scored 8 or higher out of 10 for supporting pollinators. Scored on bloom timing, nectar and pollen value for bees and other insects.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn 8 is Very good on the adapted Beach (1905) grade, a 9 is Very good to best and a 10 is Best. Varieties that scored 6 or 7 are genuinely good at this too, and you will find them under the matching Shop by Use group.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery score in this list is sourced. Nothing is here because it is popular, and nothing is here on our word alone. The full evidence, including what each variety scored for every other use and why, is in the use guide.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"chokecherry-bundle-of-5","title":"Chokecherry (Bundle of 3)","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThis Montana native tree is one of our favorites. From its uniquely cone-like white flowers in the spring (which attract tons of pollinators) to its berries—important both for wildlife and in the kitchen—Chokecherry is a must-have for any cold-climate fruit grower.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eIn the Kitchen\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOur favorite way to use the berries is for chokecherry syrup, since they’re a bit astringent when eaten fresh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eTough and Hardy\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eHardy to zone 2—possibly even surviving temps in the -50s°F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e2nd photo courtesy of Matt Lavin.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border:1px solid #cfcfcf;border-left:4px solid #8a1c1c;background:#faf7f6;padding:14px 18px;margin-top:28px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping restrictions — state quarantine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003eEffective September 2025, Alaska issued a statewide quarantine order prohibiting the importation, transport, and sale of chokecherry (\u003cem\u003ePrunus virginiana\u003c\/em\u003e) and mayday tree (\u003cem\u003ePrunus padus\u003c\/em\u003e). We \u003cstrong\u003ecannot ship this plant to Alaska\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease also note:\u003c\/strong\u003e chokecherry is a host for X-disease (Western X phytoplasma). Michigan restricts planting chokecherry within 500 feet of a peach or cherry orchard and within 1,000 feet of nursery stock. If you live near commercial stone-fruit production, check local siting rules before planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;font-size:0.9em;color:#555;\"\u003eOrders placed to a prohibited state will be cancelled and refunded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"3-5 ft.","offer_id":42535318650946,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/chokecherry-fruit-on-branch.webp?v=1789019775"},{"product_id":"golden-currant-bundle-of-3-2k3kk","title":"Golden Currant (Bundle of 3)","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eGolden Currant is native to North America, with fragrant yellow flowers in the spring and sweet, scrumptious berries that are\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e 6-10 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003emm diameter, globose to ellipsoid, ripening from \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003egreen to yellow to red and finally black to dark \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003epurple.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eGreat Fit for Montana Gardens\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eReaching 4–5 feet tall at maturity, these do well in all parts of Montana. A must for cold-climate growers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold-Hardy and Tough\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eHardy to Zone 2 (-40°F or more)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCurrent Plant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese shrubs are currently 3-5 ft. tall\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePhoto by Al Schneider\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border:1px solid #cfcfcf;border-left:4px solid #8a1c1c;background:#faf7f6;padding:14px 18px;margin-top:28px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping restrictions — white pine blister rust quarantine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003eAll \u003cem\u003eRibes\u003c\/em\u003e (currants and gooseberries) are alternate hosts for white pine blister rust, and golden currant (\u003cem\u003eRibes aureum\u003c\/em\u003e) is named specifically in several state quarantines. We \u003cstrong\u003ecannot ship this plant to Delaware, New Hampshire, North Carolina, or Rhode Island\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its sale or importation is prohibited by state law.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePermit or county-level restrictions also apply in:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and West Virginia (prohibited in specific counties or townships) and Michigan and New York (state permit required). Please check your local rules before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;font-size:0.9em;color:#555;\"\u003eOrders placed to a prohibited state will be cancelled and refunded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"3-5 ft.","offer_id":42535321141314,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/golden-currant-in-bloom.webp?v=1789020103"},{"product_id":"hawthorne-bundle-of-2","title":"Hawthorne (Bundle of 3)","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis selection of Hawthorn will grow almost anywhere. It’s tough, adaptable, and ready to thrive in a variety of conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFruit That Lasts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe dark red fruit stay on the branches through winter, often until the following spring (unless they’re eaten first). The USDA plant guide for black hawthorn credits it with abundant food and cover for game birds, naming blue grouse and sharp-tailed grouse, and pheasants, partridges and quail take the fruit as well. Mule deer and small mammals browse the leaves and twigs, and the dense thorny thickets give songbirds protected nesting and escape cover.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGood for Wildlife—and You\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe fruit and flowers aren’t just for wildlife—they have medicinal uses too. Hawthorn is known to be good for the heart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA Pollinator Magnet\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eExcellent for attracting pollinators to your orchard. These trees will bring in native pollinators and help promote a healthy, diverse insect population.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePlant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur Spring 2027 plants are roughly 2-3 ft. tall with a well established root system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardy to zone 2.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472436727874,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/hawthorn-berries-on-branch.webp?v=1789020135"},{"product_id":"american-linden","title":"American Linden (Bundle of 3)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"product-excerpt\" data-content-field=\"excerpt\" id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1759336476188_127\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eAmerican Linden, also known as Basswood, is native to eastern North America—stretching from southeast Manitoba east to New Brunswick, and south through northeast Oklahoma and South Carolina, with a western reach along the Niobrara River to Cherry County, Nebraska.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eLate Bloomer, Big Impact\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThis tree is excellent for attracting pollinators and happens to be the latest blooming tree in Missoula (at least that we’re aware of). It can set blossoms as late as the end of July—a full two months after most other trees have bloomed! That makes it an incredibly valuable mid-summer food source for honeybees when not much else is blooming. Also, this is one of a handful of deciduous trees that actually reach their true form in Western Montana. Many deciduous trees simply seem stunted even at maturity given our calcareous, dry soils and harsh climate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eDelicious Honey \u0026amp; Coppicing Potential\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eLinden honey is some of the best-tasting honey out there—light, floral, and truly unique. American Linden is also a great species for coppicing, making it versatile beyond its ornamental and ecological value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold Hardy \u0026amp; Ready to Grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eHardy to Zone 2, this tree is built for cold climates and tough conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003ePlants are 3-5 ft. tall\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"3-5 ft.","offer_id":42535330349122,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/american-linden-flowers.webp?v=1789019153"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/collections\/best-plants-for-pollinators.oembed","provider":"Montana Fruit Trees","version":"1.0","type":"link"}