{"title":"Good Pollenizer","description":"\u003cp\u003ePlants that throw abundant, compatible pollen and bloom long enough to set fruit on their neighbors. A pollenizer supplies the pollen. The bees are the pollinators. Everything here scored 6 or higher out of 10. Check bloom overlap before you pair anything up.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"black-gold-cherry-1","title":"Black Gold Sweet Cherry","description":"\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBlack Gold is one of the most cold-hardy sweet cherries, having survived temperatures as low as -33°F. We used to rank Black Gold third in cold hardiness amongst sweet cherries, only behind Gold and White Gold, but we've found that Lapins actually surpasses Black Gold and White Gold in terms of winter survival. Still Black Gold has fared well in the cold compared to many other varieties of sweet cherries we've grown in MT.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor Profile and Ideal Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eThis cherry variety delivers a distinct sweet cherry flavor with notes of honey and a delightful splash of tanginess. It’s perfect for fresh eating and adds a delicious topping to ice cream. Black Gold typically ripens in July, making it a great summer treat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSelf-Fertility and Pollination Benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eBlack Gold is a self-fertile variety, meaning it doesn’t require another cherry tree for pollination. However, it is also an excellent pollenizer for other sweet cherry varieties, earning the reputation of being a \"universal\" pollenizer. Its bloom time overlaps with many other sweet cherries, making it a valuable addition to any orchard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLate Blooming and Cold Climate Benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eOne of the key advantages of Black Gold is its late blooming nature. This helps protect the tree from late spring frosts that can damage early-blooming varieties, making it ideal for colder climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDisease Resistance and Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eThe fruit of Black Gold shows resistance to cracking, and the tree itself exhibits significant tolerance to canker, a common issue in cherry orchards. This makes Black Gold a must-have for anyone planting a Montana sweet cherry orchard. It is hardy to USDA Zone 4a\/3b in protected sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGrafting Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eFor Spring 2027, our Black Gold cherries are grafted onto two full-size rootstocks, Mazzard and Mahaleb. Both come in a regular grade and a larger, more branched grade (all 5-7 ft. and pruned to 5 ft. for shipping).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eImage courtesy of Hans Braxmeier under CC 2.0.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Mazzard Full Size: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft for Shipping)","offer_id":42617082314818,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mazzard Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 More Branching (Pruned to 5 ft for Shipping)","offer_id":42617082347586,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mahaleb Full Size: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45152004767810,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mahaleb Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 More Branching (Pruned to 5 ft for Shipping)","offer_id":45152004800578,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/black-gold-sweet-cherry-on-tree.webp?v=1789019220"},{"product_id":"chestnut-crabapple","title":"Chestnut Applecrab","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChestnut, developed by the University of Minnesota, is technically an applecrab—50% apple and 50% crabapple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe parentage of Chestnut is a cross between Siberian Crab and Malinda, released by the University of Minnesota in 1946.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut don’t let the “crabapple” part fool you. Hand this to someone who thinks crabapples are too tart or ornamental, and you’ll likely make a believer out of them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOne of the sweetest applecrabs we’ve tried\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIn Fall 2023 (Kalispell orchard), we noted hints of bubblegum\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIn Fall 2024 (WARC field day), the flavor shifted to nutty, mellow, sweet, and less acidic. Super yummy!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRipens 1–2 weeks before Kerr, making it a perfect complementary variety\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWant something intense and tangy? Go with Kerr\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWant something smooth, sweet, and nutty? Get Chestnut\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRipening \u0026amp; Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRipens early: 1st–2nd week of September in western Montana\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGreat for fresh eating, but also works in sauces or ciders\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eStores decently for a crabapple\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardy to at least -50°F\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIdeal for Zone 2 and possibly colder\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eEarly enough to ripen even in parts of Alaska\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRootstock \u0026amp; Tree Info\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFor Spring 2027, our Chestnut applecrabs are grafted onto Bud 118, hardy to -50 F or more, and M26, which is less hardy (to -40F) and a little less dwarfing. If buying Chestnut on M26 and you can experience sub -40F, then bury the graft.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"M26 Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42498963603522,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42498963701826,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/chestnut-applecrab-harvest-in-hand.webp?v=1789019775"},{"product_id":"dolgo-crabapple-bundle-of-2","title":"Dolgo Crabapple (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProducing massive amounts of white flowers every Spring that will then turn to 1-inch crimson red crabapples, Dolgo is a must for many reasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether it’s eating the good tasting crabapples (high acidity which I like), used for processing, or as a pollenizer or rootstock on which to top graft, Dolgo is a must for many reasons in the orchard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDisease Resistance \u0026amp; Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd did I mention it's resistant to scab, fireblight, and cold hardy to zone 2. When some of our rootstocks such as some in the Geneva or Emla series had suffered from some frost damage at our nursery from the early fall frost (-10F) on 10\/26\/20, Dolgo didn’t bat an eye.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCider \u0026amp; Culinary Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough I’ve never used Dolgo for cider, I have used one of its descendants, Kerr apple crab (which is crossed with Haralson) and that made for I think the best tasting cider I’ve ever had. Some sources say it makes great jelly and I’d bet Dolgo cider ain’t too shabby, especially when blended with something sweet like Macoun or Honeycrisp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZone 2 hardy.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"2-3 ft.","offer_id":45224515240002,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/DolgoCrabapplesinthehand.jpg?v=1789598191"},{"product_id":"goldcherry-4aefh","title":"Gold Sweet Cherry","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGold Cherry is one of our most reliable and productive cherry varieties. According to Bob Purvis, it is considered the hardiest of all sweet cherry cultivars, withstanding temperatures as low as -38°F in River Falls, WI. This variety is also an excellent pollenizer, making it a great companion for most other sweet cherry trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness and Survival\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGold Cherry and Lapins were the only sweet cherry varieties that survived our extreme -10°F fall temperature several years ago. This variety is easily one of the best performers in colder climates, as it can handle severe winter conditions better than most.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFruit Characteristics and Ease of Growth\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThe fruit of Gold Cherry is firm, golden-yellow in color, and is known for its disease resistance and resistance to cracking. The yellow fruit is less attractive to birds, who tend to prefer red cherries, making Gold Cherry easier to protect and grow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWith a hint of tang, Gold Cherry offers the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. It’s a great choice for first-time cherry growers and anyone looking to grow cherries in colder climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePollination and Yield\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAlthough Gold Cherry is self-fertile, it may yield better if you cross-pollinate it with another variety. Lapins is a good choice for this, as we believe it to be the second-hardest sweet cherry variety we have grown, alongside Gold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRootstock, Spacing, and Cold Tolerance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese trees are grafted onto semi-standard Gisela 12, which is about as hardy as Gold will survive down to. We're unsure whether G12 can survive temperatures below -40°F. However, even if it can, its hardiness would ultimately be limited by Gold itself, which is only known to have survived down to -38°F, making the distinction moot. As for spacing, this entirely depends on the goals of the grower. If one is attempting a higher density system with more production per unit area, then 6-10 ft (or less if trellised). However, for most backyard growers, 15-18 ft. should be just fine.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGold Cherry is hardy to USDA Zone 3b or Zone 3a in protected sites.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"G12 Semi-Standard: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42499168862274,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"G12 Semi-Standard: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 More Branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45152019677250,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/gold-sweet-cherry-on-tree.webp?v=1789020103"},{"product_id":"lapins-cherry","title":"Lapins Sweet Cherry","description":"\u003ch2 data-start=\"84\" data-end=\"98\"\u003eLapins Sweet Cherry\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"84\" data-end=\"98\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"99\" data-end=\"600\"\u003eLapins Cherry is perhaps second only to Gold in terms of cold hardiness. While many sources don't list it among the hardiest sweet cherries, we’ve updated our assessment based on years of experience and observations from growers in extreme conditions. After seeing one of our growers in Cowley, Wyoming, report no damage to his Lapins trees after experiencing temperatures as low as -33°F, and noting the performance of mature trees in the Bitterroot Valley, we consider Lapins to be hardy to Zone 3b, that can possibly even make it with some winter injury in zone 3a.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"602\" data-end=\"650\"\u003eCold Hardiness and Exceptional Performance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"651\" data-end=\"1147\"\u003eWe previously ranked Gold, White Gold, and Black Gold as the hardiest sweet cherries, but after firsthand experience, we’ve found that Lapins has performed better than Black Gold in extreme cold, and may either be just as hardy as White Gold, or even hardier. We've observed mature Lapins trees in the Bitterroot (one in Lolo, over 20 years old, and two others in Stevensville, over 30 years old) that have survived temperatures below -30°F, possibly even colder. This makes Lapins an excellent choice for fairly cold climates, where other varieties might be at risk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1149\" data-end=\"1181\"\u003eThe Flathead Cherry Legacy\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1182\" data-end=\"1579\"\u003eLapins is considered one of the main cherries grown in the Flathead region of northwest Montana, especially around beautiful Flathead Lake. Developed in British Columbia as a cross between Van and Stella, Lapins has become a staple in the region. After the devastating winter of 1988–1989, Flathead cherry growers wisely replanted Bing cherries with Lapins, and the variety has thrived ever since.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1581\" data-end=\"1625\"\u003eFruit Characteristics and Improvements\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1626\" data-end=\"1875\"\u003eLapins produces a dark, sweet cherry that is often compared to Bing, but with several notable improvements. The cherries are firmer and more resistant to splitting, making them easier to handle and less prone to damage during harvest or bad weather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1877\" data-end=\"1904\"\u003ePollination and Yield\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1905\" data-end=\"2172\"\u003eWhile Lapins is partially self-fertile due to its Stella parentage, it will benefit from cross-pollination with another cherry variety. For optimal results, plant Lapins with another compatible pollenizer such as Rainier, Van, Gold, White Gold, Black Gold, or Stella.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2174\" data-end=\"2208\"\u003eRootstock and Cold Tolerance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2209\" data-end=\"2394\"\u003eThese Lapins trees are grafted onto Mazzard full-size rootstock, which is hardy to -40°F in our experience seeing Lapins grafted onto Mazzard and surviving into the -30Fs, and surviving as a stand alone at -35F is Kalispell off of Rose Xing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2396\" data-end=\"2565\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eLapins is hardy to Zone 3b, withstanding temperatures as low as those recorded in the Bitterroot Valley. This makes it an excellent choice for growers in fairly cold regions. That said, still exercise caution when siting the tree, avoiding depressions and areas where frost can pool. If your area reliably sees temps below -35F, then either you could possibly try Gold (has survived -38F), or just stick with the dwarf cherries, although these are on the sweeter side of the tart cherry spectrum, but certainly not sweet cherries.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Mazzard Full Size: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42539685314626,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mazzard Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 More Branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42539688460354,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mahaleb Full Size: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":45152014794818,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mahaleb Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 More Branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":45152014827586,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/lapins-sweet-cherry-on-tree.webp?v=1789020421"},{"product_id":"native-american-plum-bundle-of-2","title":"Native American Plum (Bundle of 3)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Native American Plum produces fragrant, white flowers in showy, flat-topped clusters that appear before the leaves in spring. These blooms are tied with Linden for the best floral, perfumy blossom smell when in full bloom. Their scent is unreal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEdible Fruit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit that follows ripens to a shiny, bright red in August or September. It’s great fresh (if left to ripen longer on the tree), dried, or made into preserves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGreat for Pollinators\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tree will pollenize other Native American Plums, making it a perfect choice for creating a natural windbreak or attracting pollinators. Help support native pollinators with this addition to your landscape!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHardy and Adaptable\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardy to zone 2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese trees are 3–5 ft. tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFull-size tree image (last photo) taken in Bozeman and courtesy of Matt Lavin.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472438464578,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/native-american-plum-fruit.webp?v=1789020641"},{"product_id":"prairie-red-plum-bundle-of-2","title":"Prairie Red Plum (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cem\u003ePrairie Red\u003c\/em\u003e plum is a hybrid, very cold-hardy, thicket-forming, small tree that reaches up to 15 feet in height. White flowers appear in early May, followed by larger, edible reddish-yellow to red fruit in late summer and fall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFruit Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThe plums are sweeter when left on the tree for longer and are fairly large in size (see photo).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold Hardiness and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cem\u003ePrairie Red\u003c\/em\u003e has survived cold temperatures in Montana and is widely planted on the prairies (in Canada, the Dakotas, and Eastern Montana) as a shelterbelt for wind. It serves the dual purpose of providing both wind protection and a fruit yield. We have also used \u003cem\u003ePrairie Red\u003c\/em\u003e as rootstock for grafting Asian-American hybrid plums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eWildlife Benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThis tree provides good food and habitat for wildlife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold Tolerance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cem\u003ePrairie Red\u003c\/em\u003e is hardy to Zone 2 (-40°F or more). These trees are 3–5 ft. tall.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"3-5 ft.","offer_id":42535338311746,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/prairie-red-plum-on-tree.webp?v=1789020829"},{"product_id":"red-splendor-crabapple","title":"Red Splendor Crabapple (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverview\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhile \u003c\/span\u003eRed Splendor\u003cspan\u003e isn’t grown for its fruit quality, it’s a standout in the orchard for its \u003c\/span\u003eearly reddish-pink foliage\u003cspan\u003e, making it an excellent \u003c\/span\u003epollenizer\u003cspan\u003e for your other apple varieties.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFruit Quality\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eNot suitable for fresh eating—the fruit quality is notably poor, even worse than Dabinette cider apples when eaten fresh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExperimental use:\u003c\/strong\u003e If you're into cider-making, Red Splendor could be experimented with, though it’s not known for great cider quality either.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePollenizer\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIdeal for pollenizing early-blooming apples like Pristine, Zestar!, Dearborn's Unknown, Rescue, and others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tends to flower biennially (every other year), so don’t rely on it as your sole pollenizer—plant at least one other variety that blooms annually.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eClimate \u0026amp; Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardy to Zone 2, making it a great choice for areas with cold winters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSpring 2027 Tree Info\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBare Root Trees: 2–3 ft. tall with a strong root system for healthy growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eImage credit: Courtesy of Famartin (CC license)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472440135746,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/red-splendor-crabapple-in-bloom.webp?v=1789020871"},{"product_id":"siberian-crabapple-bundle-of-2","title":"Siberian Crabapple (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis is our second year offering Siberian Crabapple. This tree has a wide range of uses, particularly for regions where very few other trees can survive. It has long been a favorite rootstock for Roger Joy, known for its effectiveness in top working—grafting other apple varieties onto more mature parts of the tree. This technique helps apple varieties establish themselves quickly with the assistance of the Siberian Crab’s hardy stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFruit Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize \u0026amp; Uses:\u003c\/strong\u003e The fruit of the Siberian Crabapple is very small, but it can be used to make deep red jelly or blended into hard cider.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlavor:\u003c\/strong\u003e While the small fruit may not be for fresh eating, it has valuable uses in preserves and fermentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSpacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiven these will be full size\/standard trees, plan to plant 16-22 ft. apart. 16 ft for a more rigorous pruning regiment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardiness \u0026amp; Growing Conditions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eCold Hardy to below -50F, possibly even as cold as -60F—this makes it incredibly hardy, suitable for the coldest climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eSiberian Crab is one of the parents of Dolgo crab, and is perhaps the main source of Dolgo's hardiness.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42472440594498,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/siberian-crabapple-on-tree.webp?v=1789021077"},{"product_id":"stella-cherry","title":"Stella Sweet Cherry","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eStella Cherry is one of the most popular and prolific sweet cherry varieties, known for its showy white flowers in the spring and exquisite, dark red, sweet fruit in the summer. It was the first sweet cherry that Luke tried in Missoula during the summer of 2016, and since then, it has become a favorite for its great flavor and reliable productivity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFruit Characteristics and Flavor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eStella cherries are large, heart-shaped, and boast a deep, rich red color when fully ripe. The flavor is consistently delicious, never disappointing our taste buds. The fruit can become very dark red, offering a sweet, satisfying taste perfect for fresh eating and other uses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold Hardiness and Growing Conditions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eWhile Stella is a reliable variety, its hardiness is best suited for zones 5 and above. In Missoula, which is USDA Zone 4a (with extreme winter lows between -25°F to -30°F), Stella still thrives. We rank its hardiness as tied with Rainier as the fifth-hardest sweet cherry variety, after Gold, Lapins, White Gold, and Black Gold. If you are in Zone 4, try to trap ground heat around the tree, especially if you experience temperatures below 0°F before December 1st. This will help the tree endure harsh winters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003ePollination and Self-Fertility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eStella was the first self-fertile cherry, making it an excellent choice for those who want reliable fruit without needing a second tree for pollination. It can also serve as a pollenizer for any of our other sweet cherries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eRootstock and Growth\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThese Stella trees are grafted onto full-size Mazzard rootstock, which helps them reach a mature height of 5–7 feet. The Mazzard rootstock provides solid growth, allowing for strong, healthy trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eHardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eStella is hardy to Zone 5 and can handle colder temperatures, but for the best results in Zone 4, ensure the tree is protected from extreme winter cold, especially when temperatures drop below 0°F before December 1st.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eImage courtesy of David Wright under CC 2.0.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Mazzard Full Size: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42504950284354,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Mazzard Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 more branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42504950317122,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/stella-sweet-cherry-on-tree.webp?v=1789021109"},{"product_id":"whitney-crabapple","title":"Whitney Crabapple","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhitney Crab is a classic edible crabapple valued for its sweet fruit, reliable flowering, and cold-climate adaptability. It produces small, attractive crabapples that are pleasant fresh and versatile for kitchen use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhitney Crab produces small fruit, typically 1–2 inches in diameter, with sweet, juicy, slightly yellow flesh. While we have not personally used it for cider, some sources report it performs well for canning, preserving, pickling, spicing, and cider. Albemarle Ciderworks notes that Whitney Crab averages 11.39% sugar, which can ferment to 5%+ alcohol in cider production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBlossoms \u0026amp; Ornamental Traits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlossoms are pinkish white and bloom reliably each year. While the foliage is not as dramatic as Red Splendor, Whitney Crab is noted for more consistent annual flowering, making it dependable for both fruiting and pollination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhitney Crab is\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eself-fertile and also serves as an effective pollenizer for other apples and crabapples with overlapping bloom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness \u0026amp; Disease Resistance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhitney Crab is \u003cstrong\u003ecold-hardy to Zone 3\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eheat-tolerant\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003escab-resistant\u003c\/strong\u003e. Fruit typically ripens in \u003cstrong\u003elate August to early September\u003c\/strong\u003e, making it a dependable option for colder climates with shorter growing seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eImage courtesy of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/User:Kolforn\"\u003eKolforn\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Dolgo Full Size: 2-3 ft. bud grafts on one year older rootstock","offer_id":42511198978114,"sku":null,"price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/whitney-crabapple-on-tree.webp?v=1789021327"},{"product_id":"otterson-apple","title":"Otterson Crabapple","description":"\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;\" id=\"docs-internal-guid-cc095853-7fff-476d-cd39-356974f6484e\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOtterson is a red-fleshed crabapple or cider crab valued for intensely red, astringent juice and strong ornamental appeal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHistory \u0026amp; Parentage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eIts background is described in cider-focused sources as being selected for deep red juice and vigor. According to Pomiferous: \"Long considered an open-pollinated seedling of \u003ca class=\"standard apple-link\" href=\"https:\/\/pomiferous.com\/applebyname\/rf-niedzwetzkyanas-apple-id-7913\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e RF: Niedzwetzkyana's Apple\u003c\/a\u003e. The pollen parent is now pegged as\u003ca class=\"standard apple-link\" href=\"https:\/\/pomiferous.com\/applebyname\/fameuse-id-2662\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e Fameuse \u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePrimarily a cider and blending crab: high color, notable astringency, and best when blended with other juices.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOften described as vigorous. Treat like an apple or crabapple for spacing: commonly 12–16 ft on semi-dwarf, wider on standard roots.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePollination\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLike most Malus, it’s not reliably self-fertile and benefits from another apple or crabapple nearby. It also serves as an excellent pollenizer for many apples if bloom overlaps.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCommonly sold around the Zone 4 class, if it is anything like its parents, we would suspect is to be hardy in zone 3, but not much if any below -40F.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImage: Resolution enhanced from a public domain image. The crabapple is unchanged, but some of the surrounding text and numbers may vary.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42503198015554,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/otterson-crabapple-fruit-cut.jpg?v=1789020680"},{"product_id":"south-dakota-plum","title":"South Dakota Plum","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSouth Dakota plum is an extremely cold-hardy American plum selection valued for its toughness, dependable fruiting, and long history of use across the northern Great Plains. It produces small to medium plums with classic American plum character — highly aromatic, sweet-tart when fully ripe, and especially well suited for preserves, sauces, and fresh eating at peak ripeness. The tree is widely grown in cold continental climates where European and Japanese plums often fail and is also valued as a strong pollenizer for other hardy plums and Asian–American hybrid plums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSouth Dakota plum belongs to the American plum species (Prunus americana), a native North American fruit species known for extreme cold tolerance, adaptability, and reliability in harsh environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSouth Dakota plum is best understood as a named regional selection within the American plum species, originating from extremely cold regions of the northern Great Plains. It was selected from hardy native or seedling American plum populations growing in South Dakota for improved fruit quality and reliable production under severe winter conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmerican plum itself is native to central and eastern North America and historically played a major role in early prairie horticulture. Native populations were widely used by Indigenous peoples and later selected by settlers and experiment stations for fruit production, shelterbelts, and hardy orchard plantings. Because American plums show significant variation when grown from seed, superior individuals were historically identified and propagated locally. South Dakota plum represents one of these hardy regional selections preserved through cultivation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe selection reflects a broader Great Plains tradition of fruit improvement focused on winter survival, adaptability, and dependable cropping rather than large commercial fruit size. American plum genetics also played an important role in early northern fruit breeding work, including programs in South Dakota, Minnesota, and the Canadian prairie provinces that sought to develop plums capable of surviving extreme continental winters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSouth Dakota plum produces small to medium round fruit with red to reddish skin and yellow flesh. The fruit has a strong sweet-tart flavor typical of American plums, with noticeable acidity balanced by sugars when fully ripe. Flavor is often highly aromatic and intense compared with many commercial plums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit is well suited for fresh eating when fully tree-ripened but is especially valued for preserves, jelly, sauce, fruit leather, and processing because the strong flavor carries well through cooking. Yields can be heavy under good growing conditions. Fruit typically ripens in late summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSouth Dakota plum grows as a small tree or large multi-stemmed shrub, typically reaching about 10–20 feet tall with a spreading habit. Like other American plums, it may produce root suckers and can form colonies or hedgerows if unmanaged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrees produce abundant white blossoms in early spring, often before leaf emergence, followed by summer fruit. The plant is vigorous and well adapted to wind exposure, drought, and variable soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor managed single-tree form, spacing of about 10–14 feet between trees is typical.\u003cbr\u003eIf grown in a more natural or thicket-form system, spacing of 16–20 feet or more allows for spreading growth and suckering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSouth Dakota plum is not self-fertile and requires cross-pollination from another compatible plum with overlapping bloom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs an American plum type, it is compatible with other American plums and many cold-hardy Asian–American hybrid plums commonly grown in northern climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReliable pollenizers include:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative American plum and Prairie Red plum, which share compatible genetics and bloom timing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAsian–American hybrid plums such as Toka, Black Ice, Hanska, Superior, Pipestone, Underwood, and Alderman. These hardy hybrid plums commonly overlap bloom with American plum types in cold climates and are widely planted together for reliable fruit set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlanting at least two genetically distinct hardy plums within bee flight distance provides the most consistent pollination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSouth Dakota plum was selected from extremely cold Great Plains conditions and is highly adapted to severe continental winters. Can survive temps into the -40s. Maybe not below -45F, though. As a selection of American plum, it is suited to very cold climates and performs reliably in northern orchard regions where winter survival is critical. Zone 2b.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmerican plum types are valued not only for fruit production but also for ecological benefits including pollinator support, wildlife habitat, and ornamental spring bloom. The blooms are amazing in Montana in the Spring. Especially in Eastern Montana. Head out down 310 south of Billings in the Fromberg\/Bridger\/Belfry area towards the end of May and you'll see all the native american plums along the irrigation ditches in bloom. An incredible sight. Trees show strong adaptability to challenging conditions but may sucker and spread over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSouth Dakota plum represents a traditional hardy prairie fruit selection emphasizing winter survival, strong productivity, and adaptability rather than large commercial fruit size, making it well suited to cold-climate orchard systems and homestead plantings.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 2-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42504643510338,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/south-dakota-plum-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021077"},{"product_id":"toka-plum","title":"Toka Plum","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToka is the classic “bubblegum plum,” a cold-climate hybrid plum known for its unusually aromatic, candy-sweet flavor and its value as a strong pollenizer in hardy plum plantings. It’s one of the most talked-about dessert-quality plums for colder regions because it brings standout flavor while still fitting into northern orchard systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToka was released in 1911 through the cold-climate breeding work associated with N.E. Hansen and the South Dakota program. It is a hybrid between the rugged native American plum and the highly aromatic Chinese “apricot plum” species Prunus simonii, bred specifically to combine hardiness with distinctive flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToka fruits are typically small to medium and ripen in late summer, with a reputation for an intensely sweet, perfumed flavor that many growers describe as bubblegum-like. At peak ripeness it’s excellent for fresh eating, and it also performs well in jam, sauce, and preserves where that concentrated aroma carries through.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToka is described as forming a vase-shaped tree with a medium growth rate. Like many hardy hybrid plums, it can be quite productive when well pollinated, and good structure and occasional thinning help keep crops consistent and limbs healthy over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe currently offer Toka on Native Plum and Prairie Red Plum Semi-Dwarf rootstock. On both of these semi-dwarf plum-type root system, a practical spacing is generally about 12–16 ft between trees depending on soil vigor, irrigation, and how much you plan to manage canopy size through pruning. The overall size of the trees will be less uniform for the native plum rootstocks, which is why we are also offering Prairie Red, which tend to be more uniform and max out closer to 15 ft. at maturity. Use wider spacing when you want simpler long-term maintenance and better airflow, and tighter spacing only when you are committed to regular size control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToka is widely used as a pollenizer in hardy plum plantings and is commonly recommended as a partner that improves fruit set in other plums. Toka is effectively a universal pollenizer for all of the Asian x american hardy hybrid plums that we offer including Black Ice, Pipestone, Underwood, Superior, and others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToka is a solid Zone 3 plum. It has survived and done well with minimal winter injury at Montana State's Lodgepole location, which has seen -40F temps. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA key reason Toka has stayed famous for more than a century is that it combines real dessert appeal with utility: it’s repeatedly highlighted as a standout-flavor plum and also as a pollenizer workhorse in hardy plum orchards. On disease, Cummins Nursery reports strong resistance to black knot for Toka.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Prairie Red Plum Semi-Dwarf: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45140619067458,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 4-5 ft.","offer_id":45140619100226,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft.","offer_id":45140619132994,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prairie Red Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft.","offer_id":45140619165762,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Native Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42505253978178,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/toka-plum-on-tree.png?v=1789021268"},{"product_id":"wickson-crabapple","title":"Wickson Crabapple","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"3171\" data-end=\"3185\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3186\" data-end=\"3500\"\u003eWickson Crabapple is a high-sugar, high-acid Malus fruit prized for intense flavor and for adding structure to cider blends. It’s widely used as a “booster” fruit because it can raise both perceived brightness and fermentable sugars in blends, and it’s also valued for kitchen. Our friends at Western Cider in Missoula have brewed a killer Wickson varietal cider, and often use it in their blends to offer flavor complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3502\" data-end=\"3570\"\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3571\" data-end=\"4077\"\u003eWickson is an Albert Etter introduction from Humboldt County, California, generally reported as introduced in 1944 and named in honor of E. J. Wickson, a prominent California horticultural figure. Its parentage is commonly repeated as Newtown Pippin and Esopus Spitzenburg, but the historical paperwork is described as confusing\/unclear in multiple sources; the safest accurate phrasing is that it is often cited as a Newtown Pippin × Esopus Spitzenburg-type cross, with parentage not perfectly documented.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"4079\" data-end=\"4097\"\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4098\" data-end=\"4522\"\u003eThe fruit is small (crabapple-sized to “large crab” sized depending on grower and climate) and is known for unusually high sugar paired with strong acidity. That combination makes it especially valuable for hard cider and juice blending, and it is also commonly used where high pectin is beneficial (jellies\/jams). In terms of the flavor for fresh eating, here are unedited taste notes from Luke when he tried the fruit fresh on 10\/2\/25 on Missoula, MT:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4098\" data-end=\"4522\"\u003e\"Intense. Delicious and very bright and fruity. Slight citrus, melon, hints of raspberry and strawberry. Tangy with some nice sweetness. Mild astringency about 15 seconds after eating.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4098\" data-end=\"4522\"\u003eThe fruit ripens in Missoula end of Sept.\/Early Oct. so it is fairly late for us in Missoula. Likely would not ripen in time in shorter growing season, such as parts of Alaska, even if it did survive into the -40Fs (we're not sure if it can, see 'Cold Hardiness' below).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"4524\" data-end=\"4542\"\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4543\" data-end=\"4782\"\u003eWickson is vigorous and productive, with abundant bloom and strong annual bearing in nursery descriptions. It is also  a good pollenizer for other apples\/crabapples because of heavy bloom and viable pollen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"4784\" data-end=\"4797\"\u003eSpacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4798\" data-end=\"5238\"\u003eWe offer Wickson on Bud 118 semi-dwarf. Bud 118 is a vigorous, cold-hardy semi-dwarf rootstock which is noted as semi-standard in the literature, but our experience growing it in Montana is that it is more so a semi-dwarf. Perhaps in warmer climate\/longer growing season\/deeper and less dry\/alkaline soils that it would behave more as a semi-standard. Aim for 15 ft. in MT and perhaps further apart in better growing conditions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"5240\" data-end=\"5257\"\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5258\" data-end=\"5931\"\u003eLike most Malus species, Wickson is not self-fertile and needs a pollenizer. It is diploid and fertile, and examples of pollenizers for Wickson that we offer include: Centennial, Hewe's Virginia, Honeycrisp, Liberty, Newtown Pippin, William's Pride, Zestar!, Snowsweet, Spartan, and Wolf River\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"5933\" data-end=\"5953\"\u003eCold hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5954\" data-end=\"6332\"\u003eWickson is commonly listed as a Zone 3. In our experience in Montana, Wickson withstood -38°F in Corvallis, MT from a 1\/13\/24 polar front, without any winter injury. Whether Wickson can withstand temperatures lower than this is likely, but how much lower we do not know. In order to be conservative, we are listing Wickson as a solid zone 3a.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"6334\" data-end=\"6351\"\u003eOther Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6352\" data-end=\"6848\"\u003eWickson has a long-running “identity confusion” history in fruit circles (it has been mis-sold under other names in some contexts), so sourcing true-to-type material matters if someone is collecting it for cider work. On disease: sources describe it as very slightly susceptible to fire blight, scab, and cedar-apple rust (not a “disease-resistant” crabapple), so good airflow, balanced fertility, and standard sanitation practices are the right management frame rather than promising resistance.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 2-4 ft.","offer_id":42511537799234,"sku":null,"price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-5 ft. bud grafts on one year older rootstock","offer_id":42511199633474,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/wickson-crabapple-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021327"},{"product_id":"hewes-virginia-crabapple","title":"Hewe's Virginia Crabapple","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHewe’s Virginia Crab (also called Virginia Crab and often listed under Hughes\/Hugh’s as a synonym) is one of the best-known historic American cider crabs from Virginia, documented in the colonial era and strongly associated with early American cidermaking. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/southerngardenhistory.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/SouthernPlantLists.pdf?\"\u003eIt appears in 18th-century Southern nursery listings (mid-1700s),\u003c\/a\u003e and it was \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.monticello.org\/house-gardens\/in-bloom-at-monticello\/hewe-s-crab-apple\/\"\u003efamously grown at Monticello by Thomas Jefferson\u003c\/a\u003e as a cider apple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParentage is not conclusively documented. In pomological and museum\/historic-orchard references it is commonly described as either a chance seedling of, or a hybrid involving, the native Southern crabapple (Malus angustifolia) and a European domesticated apple type—but this should be treated as an informed hypothesis rather than proven pedigree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlavor \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHewe’s is historically prized for cider: small fruit, high juice value for its size, and a profile that can contribute structure (acid\/tannin) and aromatic lift to blends—while also being one of the rare crabs frequently cited as capable of standing alone as a varietal cider.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Missoula, MT, our friend Michael Billington of Western Cider has used Hewe’s in several blends and also as a standout varietal dry cider. Luke tasted the fruit fresh at peak ripeness in fall 2025 and noted: somewhat thick skin; starts sweet then turns tart quickly; not super complex; slight chalkiness (not overbearing).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the broader references we reviewed while creating this description, Hewe’s is consistently described as unusually hardy for a cider apple, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.cumminsnursery.com\/buy-trees\/product-detail.php?id=28753\u0026amp;type=scion\u0026amp;\"\u003eincluding historical notes \u003c\/a\u003ethat it was once used as a rootstock far into northern regions, implying strong winter durability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardiness ratings do vary by source (some list it around Zone 4, others as cold as Zone 3), which is a reminder that “zone ratings” are not the same as a verified single-temperature kill threshold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat said, Western Ag Resarch Center's field observation noted that Hewe’s Virginia Crab survived −38°F on the morning of January 12, 2024 with very minor tip damage (if any). That performance supports treating it as a legitimately cold-climate cider crab for Montana, and it helps explain why Zach and Katrina at the Western Ag Research Center in Corvallis, MT had \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ciderassociation.org\/2022-apple-crop-outlook\/\"\u003edescribed\u003c\/a\u003e it among the cold-harder cultivars in station-orchard contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHewe’s is generally described as vigorous and productive, and it’s widely noted as an excellent pollenizer (crabapples in general, and Hewe’s specifically, are often planted partly for pollination support in mixed orchards).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42499221061698,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45133048021058,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/hewes-virginia-crabapple-in-hand.jpg?v=1789020135"},{"product_id":"monogahela-crabapple-seedling","title":"Monongahela Crabapple Seedling","description":"\u003cp\u003eDescription coming soon!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"1-3 ft.","offer_id":42500888428610,"sku":null,"price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"3-5 ft.","offer_id":42500888494146,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/monongahela-crabapple-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020605"},{"product_id":"transcendent-crabapple","title":"Transcendent Crabapple","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTranscendent is a classic cold-climate crabapple valued for its large fruit (for a crab), heavy production, and exceptional usefulness in preserves. It has a long history in northern orchards and remains one of the most widely recognized edible crabapples for jelly, cider, and cooking. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and history\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe precise origin and parentage of Transcendent are unknown. It was first documented in North America in William Prince’s nursery catalog in 1844 and quickly gained popularity in cold regions due to its productivity and fruit quality. By the late 1800s, thousands of Transcendent trees were already bearing in northern plantings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Montana, Transcendent has documented heritage significance: more than 2,000 trees were reported fruiting at Pine Grove Farm in Stevensville by 1875, and it appears in Montana’s Heritage Orchard records, including a notable specimen from Wild Horse Island. Historically, it has been described as one of the largest “Siberian-type” crabapples and was widely planted across prairie and mountain regions for its reliability and usefulness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTranscendent produces medium to large crabapples with yellow to golden skin often washed with red. Truly does look like a larger Siberian crabapple. The fruit is aromatic and notably well-suited for jelly, preserves, sauce, and cider, where it’s prized for flavor and consistency. It can also be used fresh by those who enjoy a classic sweet-tart crabapple profile. This variety earned its reputation primarily as a processing and preserving apple, though it remains versatile in the kitchen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn Bud 118 rootstock, Transcendent grows with strong vigor. Bud 118 is a vigorous, cold-hardy rootstock which is noted as semi-standard in the literature, but our experience growing it in Montana is that it is more so a semi-dwarf, reaching about 16-18 ft. Perhaps in warmer climate\/longer growing season\/deeper and less dry\/alkaline soils that it would behave more as a semi-standard. Aim for 15 ft. spacing in MT and perhaps further apart in better growing conditions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTranscendent is a Malus (apple\/crabapple type). Like most apples and crabapples, it benefits from cross-pollination with another Malus that blooms at a similar time. Examples of what we offer that will cross pollenize with Transcendent include Kerr, Trailman, Norda (and all the other 'Nor' series of apples), Wickson, Whiteney, Prairie Sensation, and many others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTranscendent has a long-established reputation as a cold-hardy crabapple, reflected in its historic adoption across northern prairie regions and its documented success in Montana heritage orchards. While we do not have exact numbers on its cold hardiness (we do know that there has been zero reported damage in the Bitterroot when the tree experienced -40F on 1\/13\/24), we would suspect that it cold tolerate much colder temperatures that this. Siberian crabapple is one of the hardiest of all fruit trees in the world. In fact Alaska growers depend on using Siberian Crab rootstock because of its hardiness, which we will be offering in the future. As such, although it is certainly hardy throughout zone 3 and likely more cold hardy than that, we are listing it ias zone 3 until we can verify its hardiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTranscendent played an important role in early northern orchards, where it was valued for dependable crops and clean, usable fruit. Its inclusion in Montana Heritage Orchard collections highlights its regional importance and durability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo cultivar-specific disease resistance profile is reliably documented for Transcendent. As with most Malus varieties, good spacing, airflow, sanitation, and site selection remain the most effective tools for managing common apple diseases.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"532\" data-end=\"613\"\u003eImages courtesy of the Western Agricultural Research Station (Corvallis, MT),\u003c\/strong\u003e which conducts leading research in cold-climate pomology. Read more about their work \u003ca data-start=\"699\" data-end=\"708\" class=\"decorated-link\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"#\"\u003ehere.\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\"\u003e\u003csvg width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewbox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\"\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42508217090114,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/transcendent-crabapple-on-tree.png?v=1789021268"},{"product_id":"hyslop-crabapple","title":"Hyslop Crabapple","description":"\u003cp\u003e2026 was our first year growing Hyslop crabapple, and we do not yet have direct experience growing this variety ourselves. All information presented here comes from second-hand sources including historical pomological records, nursery descriptions, and grower reports, and should not be considered experimental or based on our own field observations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOverview\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHyslop is a historic American heirloom crabapple known for unusually large fruit for a crabapple, strong cold hardiness, heavy productivity, and very high tannin content. It has long been valued for jelly, cider blending, preserves, and pollination, and has historically been planted as both a functional orchard tree and an ornamental due to its abundant bloom and striking fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOrigin and history\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHyslop crabapple is an old American heirloom of unknown parentage that originated in the Boston, Massachusetts region sometime prior to 1869, when it was first formally recorded in pomological literature. The tree appears to have arisen as a chance seedling, and no confirmed parentage has ever been identified. Because most apples do not grow true from seed, Hyslop represents a unique genetic individual preserved through grafting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistorical sources suggest the variety likely originated well before 1850 and was named by or associated with the Hyslop family of Massachusetts during the 19th century. It was documented in early American pomology texts such as Beach’s \u003cem\u003eApples of New York\u003c\/em\u003e (1905), which described it as a vigorous, very hardy tree and a reliable cropper producing heavy crops of brilliantly colored fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the late 1800s it had become widely planted across North America for preserves, cider production, and ornamental use. It remained in continuous cultivation for more than a century and is considered one of the classic large-fruited American crabapples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo verified records exist identifying its species background or hybrid lineage beyond classification within the genus Malus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHyslop produces fruit that is fairly large for a crabapple, typically around 1½ inches in diameter. The fruit is round to slightly oblate and deep crimson to dark red or purplish in color, often covered with a heavy bluish bloom and borne in large clusters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flesh is firm, yellowish to white, and juicy when first ripe but becomes mealy quickly after harvest. The flavor is strongly acidic, astringent, and high in tannins. It is generally not considered suitable for fresh eating but is highly valued for jelly, pickling, sauce, preserves, and cider blending, where its tannin content contributes structure and acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit ripens from late summer into early fall depending on climate and typically has a short storage life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHyslop is a vigorous, upright to rounded tree with strong structural growth and reliable productivity. Mature trees commonly reach about 15–25 feet tall with a similar spread, though size varies with rootstock and site conditions. The tree produces abundant white to pink-tinged blossoms and is known for heavy fruit set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistorical descriptions characterize it as a strong grower and dependable bearer, often producing heavy crops biennially or annually under good management. It is considered precocious and capable of early production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSpacing\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe offer Hyslop crabapple on Bud 118 rootstock, which should spaced about 15 feet apart. For tighter plantings, spacing can be reduced to 12 feet apart and for wider spacing in fertile soils or lower-density systems, trees can be spaced up to 18 feet apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePollination\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike almost all Malus, Hyslop is not self-fertile and requires cross-pollination. It is diploid and blooms in the early to mid-season apple bloom window. Compatible pollenizers include Dolgo, Kerr, Carroll, McIntosh, Fred's McIntosh, Trailman, Zestar!, Liberty, Spokane Beauty, and much more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCold hardiness\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHyslop is widely described as very hardy and adapted to cold climates, with places such as Pomiferous and Walden Heights listing it as hardy through zone 3. In Montana where significant parts of the state can experience -40F to -50F temps, whether Hyslop can survive these temps remains to be seen. For now, we are listing it as hardy down to -40F\/zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOther Notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHyslop is notable for producing fruit significantly larger than most crabapples and for its exceptionally high tannin content, which made it historically important in traditional cider making and preserves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEarly pomological literature describes the tree as vigorous, hardy, and a reliable cropper, often bearing heavily. However, the fruit becomes mealy quickly after harvest and does not store well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe variety is susceptible to common apple diseases such as apple scab and requires standard orchard management. It has also been valued historically as an ornamental planting due to its abundant spring bloom and heavy clusters of dark red fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImage: Resolution enhanced from a public domain image. The crabapple is unchanged, but some of the surrounding text and numbers may vary.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Bud 118 Semi-Dwarf: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42518682763330,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/hyslop-crabapple-fruit-cut.jpg?v=1789020347"},{"product_id":"white-gold-sweet-cherry","title":"White Gold Sweet Cherry","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite Gold is a self-fertile sweet cherry selected for growers who want Rainier-style color and eating quality, but with a tree that is generally more dependable in tougher, wetter, and more disease-prone cherry climates. It’s widely regarded as one of the most broadly “all-around” light-fleshed sweet cherries: productive, good flavor, and notably tolerant of two of the biggest sweet-cherry problems in the North and Northeast—bacterial canker and cherry leaf spot. It has also been sold under the name Newfane.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite Gold was developed in the Cornell\/NYSAES sweet cherry breeding program in Geneva, New York and released as NY 13688. Its documented parentage is Emperor Francis × Stella, which is why it combines classic light-fleshed sweet-cherry traits with self-fertility. It was introduced in 2001.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite Gold produces yellow fruit with a red blush and white to very pale flesh, generally in the midseason window. Fruit quality is consistently described as high, with very good sweet-cherry flavor and firm texture for fresh eating. Its tolerance to rain-induced cracking is commonly rated as intermediate—better than Rainier, not as good as the most crack-tolerant cultivars—so it’s still wise to prioritize siting, airflow, and canopy management in wet-summer locations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn full-size rootstock, White Gold is a vigorous sweet cherry that benefits from early training to build strong scaffold angles and maintain an open canopy. Like other sweet cherries, it performs best when managed for sunlight penetration and airflow, which supports fruit quality and helps reduce disease pressure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe offer White Gold on full size Mazzard rootstock. For Mazzard, a reliable long-term spacing is about 18–22 feet between trees, depending on soil vigor and how aggressively you plan to manage canopy size. If you want a bigger, lower-maintenance tree over time, push wider; if you plan consistent summer pruning and renewal to keep trees tighter, you can use the lower end of that range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite Gold is self-fertile, so it does not require a pollenizer to set fruit. However, additional sweet cherries nearby often improve consistency and yield. Sweet cherries to pair with White Gold include Gold, Black Gold, Stella, and Lapins. White Gold is commonly treated as a strong pollination partner because it is self-fertile and blooms in the early-to-early-mid portion of the sweet cherry bloom season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSweet cherry hardiness is not a single fixed number: it changes through winter as trees acclimate, and it can be rapidly lost during warm spells (deacclimation). This happens more readily with sweet cherries than say apples. The duration of cold also matters—brief pre-dawn lows can be survivable where many hours or days at the same temperature would cause much greater injury, especially to flower buds.\u003cbr\u003eIn our Montana experience, we used to list White Gold as the second-hardiest sweet cherry after Gold, but we have revised that over time. Based on years of experience and customer observations, we now believe Lapins is the second hardiest in our lineup, having survived down to or very close to -38°F in the Bitterroot (Stevensville, MT) on 1\/13\/24, which is about what Gold can withstand, although Gold may push even colder (potentially near -40°F) under the right conditions. White Gold was not at that same site. However, we have seen White Gold show real vulnerability to early-season cold before full dormancy: a sharp fall frost on 10\/25\/20 that reached -10°F wiped our White Golds, while some Gold trees were okay. That event is a strong reminder that timing of cold (hardening-off status) can matter as much as the absolute low.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite Gold is notable historically as the first commercially released self-fertile light-fleshed sweet cherry in the U.S., which is a big reason it remains relevant for small orchards and home growers who only have room for one sweet cherry. On disease, the most defensible claim for White Gold is not “disease-proof,” but that it has unusually good tolerance to cherry leaf spot and bacterial canker relative to many sweet cherries, which is one of the main reasons it’s been recommended for more humid and disease-prone regions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Tree Co.","offers":[{"title":"Mahaleb Full Size: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42539742134338,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mahaleb Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 More Branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42539742167106,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/white-gold-sweet-cherry-on-tree.png?v=1789021327"},{"product_id":"kaga-plum","title":"Kaga Plum","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eNew Variety. Description Coming Soon!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Prairie Red Plum Semi-Dwarf: 4-5 ft.","offer_id":45177785811010,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Prairie Red Plum Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. 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