{"title":"Male \u0026 Female Plants (Dioecious Trees \u0026 Shrubs)","description":"\u003cp\u003ePlants where each one is either male or female. Only the females make fruit, and only if there's a male close enough to pollenize them. That's why our sea buckthorn, buffaloberry and persimmon come as bundles. Plant the whole bundle together and you've got both.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"mft-more\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eMore about male and female plants\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor fruit, this is the page that matters. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/sea-buckthorn-bundle-of-5\"\u003eSea buckthorn\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/buffaloberry-bundle-of-5\"\u003ebuffaloberry\u003c\/a\u003e are wind-pollinated nitrogen fixers hardy to zone 2, and both need males in the planting to set fruit. The \u003ca href=\"\/products\/persimmon-montana-trial\"\u003eMontana Trial Persimmon\u003c\/a\u003e bundle is American persimmon, which is dioecious too. Keep the plants in a group, not scattered across the property.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rest of the list is trees and shrubs you're more likely planting for shade, windbreak or wildlife, like \u003ca href=\"\/products\/aspen-bundle-of-3\"\u003easpen\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cottonwood-bundle-of-2\"\u003ecottonwood\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/peach-leaf-willow-bundle-of-3\"\u003epeach leaf willow\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hybrid-poplar-bundle-of-3\"\u003ehybrid poplar\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rocky-mountain-juniper-bundle-of-3\"\u003eRocky Mountain juniper\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/staghorn-sumac-bundle-of-3\"\u003estaghorn sumac\u003c\/a\u003e. For those, sex doesn't matter much unless you want the berries (juniper and sumac females) or want to avoid the cotton (female cottonwoods).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pollination-charts\"\u003epollination charts for berries, vines and shrubs\u003c\/a\u003e cover the details.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDo I need a male and female sea buckthorn?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Only females fruit, and they need a male nearby to pollenize them. Our bundle of 5 is meant to be planted together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes buffaloberry need a male plant?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Buffaloberry is male or female like sea buckthorn, so plant the whole bundle in one group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow close does the male plant need to be?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe closer the better. These are mostly wind-pollinated, so keep males and females in the same planting, ideally within a few dozen feet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"aspen-bundle-of-3","title":"Aspen (Bundle of 3) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aspen is an aspen tree rated hardy to zone 1 in our ratings, and dioecious, with separate male and female plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAlso called\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eQuaking aspen, trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 1 to 6. A bare number means the whole of zone 1, colder half included. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,100 hours (1,000 to 1,400). From published figures. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#aspen-bundle-of-3\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDioecious - Needs Male and Female. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), very early spring here. Aspen trees are male or female and their catkins open very early, before the leaves. You grow it for shade and wildlife, so the sex of your trees does not matter; its wind-shed catkins offer bees only minor early pollen and it is not an orchard pollenizer. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pollination-charts#aspen\"\u003ePollination Charts\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFeeding wildlife (9\/10), ornamental value (8\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA deer favorite. Fence it or cage it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 2-3 ft. Seedlings. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThe oldest living organism in the world is 80,000 years old and clones itself. Known as Pando, and nicknamed the Trembling Giant, this organism is actually a single grove of Quaking Aspen trees in Utah.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eAbout Quaking Aspen\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThese trees are super hardy and tend to sucker, so be careful where you plant them. With beautiful fall foliage, they prefer wetter conditions and won’t tolerate dry soils in their early years. They’re hardy all the way down to zone 1.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eTrees are 2-3 ft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Aspen\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Aspen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Aspen hardy to zone 1. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Aspen need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,100 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 1,000 and 1,400. That comes from published figures for this variety. Aspen needs a long, cold winter. In a Canadian trial it needed more chill than birch, balsam poplar or spruce. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#aspen-bundle-of-3\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Aspen good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Aspen are feeding wildlife (9\/10), ornamental value (8\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Aspen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Aspen with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Aspen ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 2-3 ft. Seedlings. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"2-3 ft. Seedlings","offer_id":42535366033474,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/aspen-fall-leaves.webp?v=1789019191"},{"product_id":"buffaloberry-bundle-of-5","title":"Buffaloberry (Bundle of 5) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Buffaloberry is a buffaloberry shrub rated hardy to zone 2 in our ratings (winters to -50°F), and dioecious, with separate male and female plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAlso called\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSilver buffaloberry, bullberry (Shepherdia argentea)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2 to 9. A bare number means the whole of zone 2, colder half included (winters to -50°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (500 to 1,200). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#buffaloberry-bundle-of-5\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDioecious - Needs Male and Female. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), very early spring here. Buffaloberry plants are either male or female, and only females fruit. Plant all five together so you almost certainly get both sexes. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pollination-charts#buffaloberry\"\u003ePollination Charts\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFeeding wildlife (9\/10), jams and jellies (8\/10), windbreaks and hedgerows (8\/10), soil building (8\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10), cooking and roasting (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSeldom badly damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 2-3 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eAn extremely drought-tolerant and cold-hardy shrub, the fruits have a nice lemony, sweet\/tart taste and have recently earned the label of a \"superfruit.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eImpressive Size in Montana\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eIt reaches around 12–15 feet in Missoula, Kalispell, Billings, and other places we’ve seen it growing across Montana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eNitrogen-Fixing Bonus\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eThis non-leguminous, nitrogen-fixing shrub is hardy down to Zone 2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuffaloberry is dioecious, meaning individual plants are either male or female. The USDA plant guide says the flowers are insect pollinated, most commonly by honey bees and bumble bees. Either way, having at least one male nearby as a pollenizer is essential for fruit production, and one male will serve several females.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese plants are grown from seed, which means there is no fixed male-to-female ratio in any given bundle. However, in large populations, seed-grown buffaloberry naturally averages about 50% male and 50% female.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause the sex of seedlings cannot be determined until they flower, the ratio within a bundle of five is random. Statistically, each seedling has a 50% chance of being male and a 50% chance of being female.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo put the odds in practical terms:\u003cbr\u003eThe probability that all five seedlings are female is (0.5)⁵, or 3.125%. The probability that all five are male is the same, 3.125%.\u003cbr\u003eThat means the probability that a bundle of five contains at least one male is 96.875%, and the probability it contains at least one of each (a female to fruit and a male to pollenize her) is 93.75%.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn real-world terms, almost every bundle of five will include both a male and a female, making this an effective and practical way to establish a fruiting planting from seedlings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSummary:\u003cbr\u003eSeedling ratio: roughly 50\/50 male–female\u003cbr\u003eOdds your bundle of five includes at least one male: ~97%\u003cbr\u003eOdds it includes both a female and a male: ~94%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCurrent Plant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003ePlants are currently 2-3 ft tall\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Buffaloberry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Buffaloberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Buffaloberry hardy to zone 2, which means winters down to about -50°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Buffaloberry need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 500 and 1,200. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. A native of cold plains winters. No one has measured its chill need, but anywhere with a real winter should be fine. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#buffaloberry-bundle-of-5\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Buffaloberry good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Buffaloberry are feeding wildlife (9\/10), jams and jellies (8\/10), windbreaks and hedgerows (8\/10), soil building (8\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Buffaloberry?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot badly. Deer may nibble Buffaloberry, but they seldom do real damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Buffaloberry ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 2-3 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"2-3 ft.","offer_id":42535083147330,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/buffaloberry-fruit-on-branch.webp?v=1789019775"},{"product_id":"cottonwood-bundle-of-2","title":"Cottonwood (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cottonwood is a cottonwood tree rated hardy to zone 2 in our ratings (winters to -50°F), and dioecious, with separate male and female plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2 to 9. A bare number means the whole of zone 2, colder half included (winters to -50°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,200 hours (950 to 1,450). From published figures. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#cottonwood-bundle-of-2\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDioecious - Needs Male and Female. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), very early spring here. Cottonwoods are male or female, and these are male trees, so they will never make cotton or seed, which is the point. They shed wind-blown pollen in early spring, offer bees little, and are not orchard pollenizers. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pollination-charts#cottonwood\"\u003ePollination Charts\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShade (8\/10), windbreaks and hedgerows (7\/10), feeding wildlife (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 5-6 ft. tall. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\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\"\u003eA large, spreading tree reaching 60 to 90 feet in height and 40 to 60 feet in spread. This native species is found along waterways and wet meadows throughout the Plains states.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eTough and Adaptable\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eIt offers greater drought and alkalinity tolerance than many of the \u003cem\u003eeuramericana\u003c\/em\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hybrid-poplar-bundle-of-3\"\u003ehybrid poplars\u003c\/a\u003e. Hardy to zone 2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eLow-Maintenance Bonus\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThese trees are male, and therefore don’t shed the fuzzy seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThese trees are roughly 5 ft. tall\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhotos: “Populus deltoides - plains poplar” by Matt Lavin, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/plant_diversity\/52247372996\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eFlickr\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 2.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Populus deltoides monilifera 443412245” by Jared Lincenberg, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Populus_deltoides_monilifera_443412245.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Populus deltoides monilifera” by Matt Lavin, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/plant_diversity\/26932422404\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eFlickr\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 2.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Populus deltoides - plains poplar” by Matt Lavin, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/plant_diversity\/52247869270\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eFlickr\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 2.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Populus deltoides monilifera malecatkins” by Dave Powell, USDA Forest Service, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Populus_deltoides_monilifera_malecatkins.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/us\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY 3.0 us\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Cottonwood\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Cottonwood?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Cottonwood hardy to zone 2, which means winters down to about -50°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Cottonwood need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,200 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 950 and 1,450. That comes from published figures for this variety. In a cottonwood study, most clones needed about 40 to 60 days near 35°F before extra cold stopped speeding up bud break. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#cottonwood-bundle-of-2\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Cottonwood good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Cottonwood are shade (8\/10), windbreaks and hedgerows (7\/10), feeding wildlife (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Cottonwood?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Cottonwood now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Cottonwood ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 5-6 ft. tall. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"5-6 ft. tall","offer_id":42535368589378,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/plains-cottonwood-tree-prairie.jpg?v=1791617883"},{"product_id":"peach-leaf-willow-bundle-of-3","title":"Peach Leaf Willow (Bundle of 3) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peach Leaf Willow is a willow tree rated hardy to zone 2 in our ratings (winters to -50°F), and dioecious, with separate male and female plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 2, colder half included (winters to -50°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 900 hours (600 to 1,200). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#peach-leaf-willow-bundle-of-3\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDioecious - Needs Male and Female. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), early spring here. Peach leaf willow is a willow, not a peach, and cannot pollenize any fruit tree. Trees are male or female, and their early catkins are a top nectar and pollen source for honeybees and native bees. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pollination-charts#willow\"\u003ePollination Charts\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003efeeding wildlife (8\/10), pollinators (7\/10), windbreaks and hedgerows (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 2-3 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\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\"\u003eOne of Montana's native willows, the Peach Leaf Willow is the tallest willow species in the state. Its arborescent growth form is similar to that of poplars and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cottonwood-bundle-of-2\"\u003ecottonwoods\u003c\/a\u003e, making it a unique and striking tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eA Keystone Plant\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eWillows are considered a keystone plant in many ecosystems because they serve as host plants for hundreds of Lepidoptera species. These species form the foundation of the entire food web, supporting various wildlife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003ePollinator-Friendly\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThe flowers appear in early spring, attracting butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, providing critical early-season nutrition. This makes the Peach Leaf Willow an essential plant for supporting pollinator populations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eNatural Water Purifiers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eWillows are also natural water purification factories. They can clean contaminated water in ways that geoengineers are still working to replicate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eHardy and Resilient\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eHardy to zone 1.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eTrees are 2–3 ft. tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhotos: “Salix amygdaloides” by Matt Lavin, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/plant_diversity\/27541934965\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eFlickr\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 2.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Salix amygdaloides - peachleaf willow” by Matt Lavin, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/plant_diversity\/52157537062\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eFlickr\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 2.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Salix amygdaloides - peachleaf willow” by Matt Lavin, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/plant_diversity\/52157522737\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eFlickr\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 2.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Salix amygdaloides” by Matt Lavin, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/plant_diversity\/27541912435\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eFlickr\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 2.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Peach Leaf Willow\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Peach Leaf Willow?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Peach Leaf Willow hardy to zone 2, which means winters down to about -50°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Peach Leaf Willow need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 900 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,200. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. No direct chill data for this willow. Expect it to behave like its poplar cousins, which need a solid cold winter. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#peach-leaf-willow-bundle-of-3\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Peach Leaf Willow good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Peach Leaf Willow are feeding wildlife (8\/10), pollinators (7\/10), windbreaks and hedgerows (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Peach Leaf Willow?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Peach Leaf Willow now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Peach Leaf Willow ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 2-3 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"2-3 ft.","offer_id":42535406403650,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/peach-leaf-willow-tree.jpg?v=1791615865"},{"product_id":"rocky-mountain-juniper-bundle-of-3","title":"Rocky Mountain Juniper (Bundle of 3) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rocky Mountain Juniper is a juniper tree rated hardy to zone 2b in our ratings (winters to -45°F), dioecious, with separate male and female plants, and it ripens about Sep 14 to Nov 14 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2b to 7. The b means the warmer half of zone 2 only (winters to -45°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (400 to 1,200). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#rocky-mountain-juniper-bundle-of-3\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDioecious - Needs Male and Female. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), early spring here. Rocky Mountain juniper plants are usually either male or female, and only females bear the blue berries, which need a male nearby to supply wind-blown pollen. The seedlings are unsexed, so planting all three gives the best chance of getting both. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pollination-charts#juniper\"\u003ePollination Charts\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Sep 14 to Nov 14 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFeeding wildlife (9\/10), windbreaks and hedgerows (9\/10), ornamental value (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 8-15\". Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\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\"\u003eA columnar to somewhat rounded evergreen tree, the Rocky Mountain Juniper often supports several main stems, making it a striking addition to any landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFoliage and Cones\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThe juvenile foliage consists of pointed, white-coated needles, while the adult foliage is scale-like and varies in color from dark green to bluish or light green. Round, dark-blue berry-like cones, covered with a whitish bloom, ripen in the second year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eSize and Bark\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eMature trees reach a height of 30–40 ft. or more, with a spread of 3–15 ft.. The bark is reddish-brown or gray and sheds over time. Hardy to zone 1.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCurrent Stock\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThese trees are bare root and range from 8 inches to 1.5 ft. tall. Due to their slow-growing nature, they are actually going into their fifth year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eImages courtesy of Nebraska Forest Service and Thayne Tuason.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Rocky Mountain Juniper\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Rocky Mountain Juniper?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Rocky Mountain Juniper hardy to zone 2b, which means winters down to about -45°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Rocky Mountain Juniper need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 400 and 1,200. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. No direct chill data for this juniper. Humid summers and warm nights limit it more than winter chill does. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#rocky-mountain-juniper-bundle-of-3\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Rocky Mountain Juniper ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Sep 14 to Nov 14 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Rocky Mountain Juniper good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Rocky Mountain Juniper are feeding wildlife (9\/10), windbreaks and hedgerows (9\/10), ornamental value (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Rocky Mountain Juniper?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Rocky Mountain Juniper now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Rocky Mountain Juniper ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 8-15\". We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"8-15\"","offer_id":42535407583298,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/rocky-mountain-juniper-berries.webp?v=1789021037"},{"product_id":"staghorn-sumac-bundle-of-3","title":"Staghorn Sumac (Bundle of 3) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Staghorn Sumac is a sumac shrub rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), and dioecious, with separate male and female plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 9. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 700 hours (400 to 1,000). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#staghorn-sumac-bundle-of-3\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDioecious - Needs Male and Female. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), early summer here. Sumac plants are male or female, and only females make the red berry clusters, so plant all three unsexed seedlings to raise the odds of a male nearby. Its early summer flowers are a strong bee plant, but it is not an orchard pollenizer. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pollination-charts#sumac\"\u003ePollination Charts\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrnamental value (8\/10), cooking and roasting (7\/10), juice and sweet cider (7\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10), windbreaks and hedgerows (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 2-3 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\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\"\u003eWhen a friend from Jordan asked me why we weren’t growing sumac—considering how excellent of a spice it makes—I had no good reason. After learning that it’s hardy to Zone 2 and fairly easy to grow, we acquiesced and started growing it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eA Striking, Hardy Shrub\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThe colony-forming smooth sumac is a 10–20 ft. shrub with short, crooked, leaning trunks and picturesque branches. Its deciduous leaves become extremely colorful in early fall, and female plants produce yellow-green flowers followed by bright-red, hairy berries with excellent culinary value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eSo Many Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThe fruit of sumac can be used as a spice rub for venison, beef, chicken, and more. It can also be soaked and washed in cold water, strained, sweetened, and made into a pink \"lemonade\"—sometimes called \"Indian lemonade.\" The drink extract can even be used to make jelly. The shoots can be peeled and eaten raw.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThe leaves and berries of staghorn sumac have historically been mixed with tobacco and other herbs and smoked by Native American tribes—a practice that still continues to a small degree today. Some beekeepers even use dried sumac bobs as fuel for their smokers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold-Hardy and Easy to Grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eHardy to Zone 2. Plants are currently 2–3 feet tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Staghorn Sumac\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Staghorn Sumac?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Staghorn Sumac hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Staghorn Sumac need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 700 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 400 and 1,000. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#staghorn-sumac-bundle-of-3\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Staghorn Sumac good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Staghorn Sumac are ornamental value (8\/10), cooking and roasting (7\/10), juice and sweet cider (7\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Staghorn Sumac?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Staghorn Sumac now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Staghorn Sumac ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 2-3 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"2-3 ft.","offer_id":42535405420610,"sku":null,"price":84.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/staghorn-sumac-fruit-cluster.webp?v=1789021109"},{"product_id":"persimmon-montana-trial","title":"Montana Trial Persimmon (Bundle of 5) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Montana Trial Persimmon is a persimmon tree rated hardy to zone 4b in our ratings (winters to -25°F), and dioecious, with separate male and female plants. Sold as a bundle of five seedlings so you almost certainly get both sexes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAlso called\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAmerican persimmon, common persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 4b to 9. The b means the warmer half of zone 4 only (winters to -25°F). Our notes have it taking -20°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 300 hours (150 to 600). Seedlings vary, so this is based on the parent tree. That's low, so chill is never short here, but it can wake early in a midwinter warm spell. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#persimmon-montana-trial\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDioecious - Needs Male and Female. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), very late spring here. American persimmon trees are either male or female, and only females fruit. Plant all five together so you almost certainly get both sexes. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pollination-charts#persimmon\"\u003ePollination Charts\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFeeding wildlife (9\/10), pies and baking (7\/10), fresh eating (6\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10), drying (6\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFive bare-root seedlings, 2-4 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese are American persimmon seedlings (Diospyros virginiana), grown out from seed from a hardy Michigan source. We have been trialing these for several winters and they have withstood -20F without any winter injury. This doesn't really say too much. We had a fairly mild winter in 2025 and an incredibly mild winter in 2026 (this description is written as of 2\/23\/26, in which 2026 winter has not even dropped below zero for us in Western MT).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese are trial trees. Like everything we sell, they're guaranteed to bud out, but there's no guarantee on hardiness or fruit quality. Instead, we will follow up in due time to learn more about how these have done for you. You will be participating in our Montana (or other cold climate) persimmon research to get hardy persimmon varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImage shown is not the fruit from this tree. We have yet to try this fruit. This has overwintered for us for several years, which is our main goal, but the fruit quality of these trees is unknown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmerican persimmon is dioecious, meaning individual trees are either male or female. Only females fruit, and bees carry the pollen over from the males. Having at least one male nearby as a pollenizer is what gets you a real crop, and one male will serve several females.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese plants are grown from seed, which means there is no fixed male-to-female ratio in any given bundle. In large populations, seed-grown American persimmon averages roughly 50% male and 50% female.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sex of a seedling can't be told until it flowers, and from seed that usually takes 5 to 8 years (sometimes sooner on a fast-growing tree). So the mix in a bundle of five is random. Each seedling has about a 50% chance of being male and a 50% chance of being female.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo put the odds in practical terms:\u003cbr\u003eThe probability that all five seedlings are female is (0.5)⁵, or 3.125%. The probability that all five are male is the same, 3.125%.\u003cbr\u003eThat means the probability that a bundle of five contains at least one female is 96.875%, and the probability it contains at least one of each (a female to fruit and a male to pollenize her) is 93.75%.\u003cbr\u003eFor comparison, a pair of seedlings only gets you one of each half the time. That's why we sell these in fives now.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA lone female will sometimes set seedless fruit without a male, and once in a while a male will carry a few fruit, but don't count on either. Plant all five near each other and keep every one of them until they flower and show you what they are.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSummary:\u003cbr\u003eSeedling ratio: roughly 50\/50 male–female\u003cbr\u003eOdds your bundle of five includes at least one female: ~97%\u003cbr\u003eOdds it includes both a female and a male: ~94%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCurrent Plant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants are currently 2-4 ft tall\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Montana Trial Persimmon\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Montana Trial Persimmon?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Montana Trial Persimmon hardy to zone 4b, which means winters down to about -25°F. Our notes have it taking -20°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Montana Trial Persimmon need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 300 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 150 and 600. Seedlings vary, so that's based on the parent, Michigan-source Diospyros virginiana. American persimmon's chill need is low and easily met here. Winter cold and a short, cool summer are what limit it in Montana. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#persimmon-montana-trial\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhy is it sold as a bundle of five?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmerican persimmon trees are either male or female, and you can't tell which until they flower, often 5 to 8 years from seed. With five seedlings there's about a 94% chance you get at least one female and one male. With two it's a coin flip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Montana Trial Persimmon good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Montana Trial Persimmon are feeding wildlife (9\/10), pies and baking (7\/10), fresh eating (6\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Montana Trial Persimmon?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Montana Trial Persimmon now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Montana Trial Persimmon ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFive dormant bare-root seedlings, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 2-4 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"2-4 ft.","offer_id":42503404945474,"sku":null,"price":149.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/persimmon-fruit-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020828"},{"product_id":"sea-buckthorn-bundle-of-5","title":"Sea Buckthorn (Bundle of 5) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sea Buckthorn is a sea buckthorn shrub rated hardy to zone 2 in our ratings (winters to -50°F), and dioecious, with separate male and female plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAlso called\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSeaberry, seabuckthorn, Siberian pineapple (Hippophae rhamnoides)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 2, colder half included (winters to -50°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 800 hours (600 to 1,200). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#sea-buckthorn-bundle-of-5\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDioecious - Needs Male and Female. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), very early spring here. Sea buckthorn plants are either male or female, and only females fruit. Plant all five together so you almost certainly get both; males supply pollen by wind. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pollination-charts#sea-buckthorn\"\u003ePollination Charts\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpacing\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant 6 to 10 ft apart.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoil building (9\/10), juice and sweet cider (8\/10), windbreaks and hedgerows (8\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), sauce and butter (7\/10), feeding wildlife (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSeldom badly damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese sea buckthorn seedlings (\u003cem\u003eHippophae rhamnoides\u003c\/em\u003e) are exceptionally hardy, nitrogen-fixing shrubs valued for their bright orange, nutrient-dense berries, wind tolerance, and ability to thrive in poor soils. This offering is a bundle of five seed-grown plants, from a super hardy seed source from North Dakota, ideal for establishing a productive planting with built-in pollination odds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSea buckthorn is native to a broad region spanning Europe and Asia, where it has long been used for food, medicine, land restoration, and erosion control. It has been widely planted in cold, dry, and marginal landscapes due to its extreme resilience, deep roots, and ability to improve soil through nitrogen fixation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFemale plants produce clusters of vivid orange berries that are extremely rich in vitamin C, carotenoids, and omega fatty acids. The berries are tart and acidic when fresh, and are most commonly used for juice, syrups, jams, sauces, oils, and fermented products. Can be eaten fresh but they're pretty tart for most. Male plants do not produce fruit but are essential for pollination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSea buckthorn forms a vigorous, multi-stemmed shrub, typically reaching 8–12 feet tall and wide, though size varies with site and pruning. Plants spread via suckers and are well suited to hedgerows, shelterbelts, and restoration plantings. Spacing of 6–10 feet between plants is common, depending on whether a dense hedge or more open planting is desired. Full sun and well-drained soils are preferred, but the plant tolerates drought, wind, cold, and low fertility extremely well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSea buckthorn is dioecious, meaning individual plants are either male or female. Pollination is wind-driven, not insect-based, so having at least one male nearby is essential for fruit production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese plants are grown from seed, which means there is no fixed male-to-female ratio in any given bundle. However, in large populations, seed-grown sea buckthorn naturally averages about 50% male and 50% female.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause the sex of seedlings cannot be determined until they flower, the ratio within a bundle of five is random. Statistically, each seedling has a 50% chance of being male and a 50% chance of being female.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo put the odds in practical terms:\u003cbr\u003eThe probability that all five seedlings are female is (0.5)⁵, or 3.125%. The probability that all five are male is the same, 3.125%.\u003cbr\u003eThat means the probability that a bundle of five contains at least one male is 96.875%, and the probability it contains at least one of each (a female to fruit and a male to pollenize her) is 93.75%.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn real-world terms, almost every bundle of five will include both a male and a female, making this an effective and practical way to establish a fruiting planting from seedlings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSummary:\u003cbr\u003eSeedling ratio: roughly 50\/50 male–female\u003cbr\u003eOdds your bundle of five includes at least one male: ~97%\u003cbr\u003eOdds it includes both a female and a male: ~94%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSea buckthorn is extremely cold-hardy and can survive into the -40°F range once established. It is also highly tolerant of wind exposure and winter desiccation, making it one of the most reliable fruiting shrubs for harsh, continental climates. Great shelter belt as well. Zone 2. Will survive in the vast majority of Montana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants are 3-5 ft. tall\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 invasive plant law\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003eSea buckthorn (\u003cem\u003eHippophae rhamnoides\u003c\/em\u003e) is named on Maine’s list of invasive plants prohibited from sale or import. We \u003cstrong\u003ecannot ship this plant to Maine\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003eSea buckthorn suckers freely and spreads by seed. Please check your own state and county noxious-weed list before planting, and site it where suckering can be managed.\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\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Sea Buckthorn\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Sea Buckthorn?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Sea Buckthorn hardy to zone 2, which means winters down to about -50°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Sea Buckthorn need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,200. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Built for cold, windy continental winters. Chill won't limit it in the North; late frosts after early growth can. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#sea-buckthorn-bundle-of-5\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Sea Buckthorn good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Sea Buckthorn are soil building (9\/10), juice and sweet cider (8\/10), windbreaks and hedgerows (8\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Sea Buckthorn?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot badly. Deer may nibble Sea Buckthorn, but they seldom do real damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Sea Buckthorn ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 3-5 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"3-5 ft.","offer_id":42535344308290,"sku":null,"price":119.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/sea-buckthorn-berries-on-branch.jpg?v=1789021038"},{"product_id":"hybrid-poplar-bundle-of-3","title":"Hybrid Poplar (Bundle of 3) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hybrid Poplar is a poplar tree rated hardy to zone 3 from NDSU's ratings (winters to -40°F), and dioecious, with separate male and female trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -40°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 1,000 hours (800 to 1,400). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#hybrid-poplar-bundle-of-3\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDioecious (separate male and female trees). Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), very early spring here. Since you grow hybrid poplar for fast shade and windbreak, no pollenizer is needed. It is wind-pollinated, offers bees little, and is not an orchard pollenizer. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pollination-charts#poplar\"\u003ePollination Charts\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWindbreaks and hedgerows (8\/10), shade (6\/10). Scores are our 1 to 10 ratings, but we're still new to these, so they lean on NDSU and other growers rather than our own trees. 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis is our first year growing these hybrid poplars, so everything below is secondhand until we get more long-term data from our own trees.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHybrid poplars are about as fast as a shade or windbreak tree gets. If you need height and cover quickly and you have the water for it, they'll deliver.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Hybrid poplar\" means a cross between two or more poplar species. According to NDSU Extension, the usual parents are eastern cottonwood, European black poplar, balsam poplar, Japanese poplar and Russian poplar. The tree in our photo is Populus x canadensis, a \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cottonwood-bundle-of-2\"\u003ecottonwood\u003c\/a\u003e and black poplar cross that first showed up in France soon after 1700.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese are for shade, windbreaks and screening, not fruit. NDSU rates hybrid poplar's growth rate as fast and says it tops 45 feet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit and Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGive them room and keep them away from power lines. NDSU says hybrid poplars need full sun and moist ground, won't tolerate drought, and often lack the cold and drought hardiness of our native cottonwood. Their lifespan is medium, so think of them as a fast first layer while slower, longer-lived trees fill in. The main disease problems are cankers, especially Septoria canker, which can break stems on susceptible trees, and Cytospora.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePoplars have separate male and female trees, and only females make the fluffy \"cotton\" seed. For shade or a windbreak, you don't need both.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardiness depends a lot on which hybrid you have. NDSU rates the clones it recommends for North Dakota at zone 3. We've listed these at zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhotos: “20120903Populus x canadensis04” by AnRo0002, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:20120903Populus_x_canadensis04.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/creativecommons.org\/publicdomain\/zero\/1.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC0\u003c\/a\u003e; “20121021Populus x canadensis3” by AnRo0002, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:20121021Populus_x_canadensis3.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/creativecommons.org\/publicdomain\/zero\/1.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC0\u003c\/a\u003e; “20120920Populus x canadensis04” by AnRo0002, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:20120920Populus_x_canadensis04.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/creativecommons.org\/publicdomain\/zero\/1.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC0\u003c\/a\u003e; “20140316Pappel3” by AnRo0002, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:20140316Pappel3.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/creativecommons.org\/publicdomain\/zero\/1.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Hybrid Poplar\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Hybrid Poplar?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe list Hybrid Poplar at zone 3, which means winters down to about -40°F. That comes from NDSU's rating for the clones it recommends, not from our own winters yet, and hardiness varies a lot between hybrids. We'll update it once our own trees have been through some Montana winters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Hybrid Poplar need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,000 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 800 and 1,400. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Poplars need a solid winter rest. Short or warm winters lead to slow, ragged leaf-out. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#hybrid-poplar-bundle-of-3\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Hybrid Poplar good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Hybrid Poplar are windbreaks and hedgerows (8\/10), shade (6\/10). Since we're still new to these, those scores lean on NDSU's notes rather than our own trees. Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Hybrid Poplar?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Hybrid Poplar now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Hybrid Poplar ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree dormant bare-root trees, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 3-5 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"3-5 ft.","offer_id":45181660266562,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/hybrid-poplar-trees-summer.jpg?v=1791615682"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/collections\/male-female-dioecious-plants.oembed","provider":"Montana Fruit Trees","version":"1.0","type":"link"}