{"title":"Shade Trees","description":"\u003cp\u003eShade trees that handle cold winters, wind and dry summers. Most come in bundles, so you can plant a row or a whole shelterbelt.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor fast shade, go with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hybrid-poplar-bundle-of-3\"\u003ehybrid poplar\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 or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/aspen-bundle-of-3\"\u003easpen\u003c\/a\u003e. For a tree that'll be there a hundred years, plant \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bur-oak-bundle-of-3\"\u003ebur oak\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/northern-red-oak-bundle-of-3\"\u003enorthern red oak\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/american-linden\"\u003eAmerican linden\u003c\/a\u003e. Linden flowers are great for bees, too.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRelated: \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/native-trees\"\u003eNative Trees\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hedgerow-shade\"\u003eHedgerow \u0026amp; Shade\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/windbreak-hedgerow\"\u003eWindbreak \u0026amp; Hedgerow\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/best-trees-for-wood\"\u003eBest Trees for Wood\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\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":"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":"mountain-ash-bundle-of-2","title":"Mountain Ash (Bundle of 3) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mountain Ash is a mountain ash tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), and not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer.\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\u003eRowan (Sorbus)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3 to 7. 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 (600 to 1,500). 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#mountain-ash-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\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), very late spring here. Mountain ash flowers are built to favor cross-pollination, so plant the seedlings in the bundle near each other; each one is genetically different. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pollination-charts#mountain-ash\"\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), ornamental value (8\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10), brandy and liqueurs (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\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, 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\u003eThis tree isn’t technically native to Montana (the closest native range is eastern North Dakota), but it’s not listed elsewhere on the website. These trees are extremely hardy and can thrive in tough conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBeautiful Spring Blooms\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the spring, they produce pretty white flowers that add a touch of beauty to any landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEdible and Versatile Fruit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter their first winter freeze, the fruits become edible—both raw or cooked. They can be used to make pie and jelly, making them a great addition to any garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSize and Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese trees will reach about 30 ft. at maturity. Hardy to zone 3, or possibly even zone 2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSize\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrees are 18-24\".\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;\"\u003eEuropean mountain ash (\u003cem\u003eSorbus aucuparia\u003c\/em\u003e) is on Maine’s “do not sell” list of prohibited invasive plants, and Minnesota has designated it a Specially Regulated Plant with sale prohibited from 2029. We \u003cstrong\u003edo not ship mountain ash to Maine\u003c\/strong\u003e. Minnesota customers should note the coming 2029 restriction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003eThese restrictions apply to the European species. If you are ordering from a state that regulates \u003cem\u003eSorbus aucuparia\u003c\/em\u003e and need written confirmation of the species we are shipping, contact us before ordering and we will confirm from our nursery records.\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\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003ePhotos: “Sorbus decora 15-p.bot-sorbu.deco-15” by Ayotte, Gilles, 1948-, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Sorbus_decora_15-p.bot-sorbu.deco-15.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Sorbus decora 1219234” by Bill Cook, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Sorbus_decora_1219234.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY 3.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Sorbus decora 15-p.bot-sorbu.deco-13” by Ayotte, Gilles, 1948-, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Sorbus_decora_15-p.bot-sorbu.deco-13.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Showy Mountain-Ash (Sorbus decora) - Algonquin Provincial Park 2019-09-21 (02)” by Ryan Hodnett, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Showy_Mountain-Ash_(Sorbus_decora)_-_Algonquin_Provincial_Park_2019-09-21_(02).jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e; “Sorbus decora 1219233” by Bill Cook, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Sorbus_decora_1219233.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY 3.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Mountain Ash\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Mountain Ash need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Mountain Ash needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Mountain ash flowers are built to favor cross-pollination, so plant the seedlings in the bundle near each other; each one is genetically different.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Mountain Ash?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Mountain Ash 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 Mountain Ash need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,000 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,500. 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#mountain-ash-bundle-of-2\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Mountain Ash good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Mountain Ash are feeding wildlife (8\/10), ornamental value (8\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10), brandy and liqueurs (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Mountain Ash?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, deer love it. Protect Mountain Ash with a fence or a cage, especially while it is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Mountain Ash 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":42535363936322,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/mountain-ash-berries.jpg?v=1791615865"},{"product_id":"northern-red-oak-bundle-of-3","title":"Northern Red Oak (Bundle of 3) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Oak, Northern Red is an oak tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), and wind-pollinated.\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 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#northern-red-oak-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\u003eWind-Pollinated. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), late spring here. Northern red oak is wind-pollinated, so plant the three seedlings together for the best acorn crops (acorns take two seasons to ripen). It is a wildlife tree rather than a bee plant and is not an orchard pollenizer. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pollination-charts#red-oak\"\u003ePollination Charts\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWood (9\/10), feeding wildlife (8\/10), shade (8\/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, 3-4 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\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\"\u003eNorthern Red Oak is an oak native to the eastern deciduous forest. Living up to 400 years, Red Oak has been an important timber species, as it is often used in flooring, furniture, interior trim, and veneer. The acorns can be collected in the Fall, shelled, tied up in a cloth and leached in water to remove bitterness. They can then be turned into a flour. Hardy to zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp class=\"\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese trees are 3-4 ft. with good, developed root systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Oak, Northern Red\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Oak, Northern Red?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Oak, Northern Red 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 Oak, Northern Red 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. Oaks leaf out late in spring. Any northern winter fully satisfies their chill, so slow leaf-out on new trees is normal. 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#northern-red-oak-bundle-of-3\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Oak, Northern Red good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Oak, Northern Red are wood (9\/10), feeding wildlife (8\/10), shade (8\/10), ornamental value (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Oak, Northern Red?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Oak, Northern Red now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Oak, Northern Red 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: 3-4 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":"3-4 ft.","offer_id":42535394869314,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/northern-red-oak-acorns.webp?v=1789020680"},{"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 2.\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":"ivans-beauty-aronia-x-mtn-ash","title":"Ivan's Beauty Aronia x Mtn. Ash (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ivan's Beauty Aronia x Mtn. Ash is a \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mountain-ash-bundle-of-2\"\u003emountain ash\u003c\/a\u003e tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), and partially self-fertile, so a second variety nearby makes crops more dependable.\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 7. 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 (600 to 1,500). 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#ivans-beauty-aronia-x-mtn-ash\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePartially Self-Fertile. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), late spring here. Ivan's Beauty sets fruit on its own, but crops can be spotty because it is only moderately self-fruitful. No tested pollenizer for it is known. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/baby-shipova-pear-x-mtn-ash\"\u003eBaby Shipova Pear x Mountain Ash\u003c\/a\u003e. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pollination-charts#intergeneric-pome\"\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 (7\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10), juice and sweet cider (6\/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\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 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\u003cp\u003eNote: Only the second year we've grown this so all this info is second hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIvan’s Beauty, one of our newer plants, is a hardy intergeneric hybrid between \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mountain-ash-bundle-of-2\"\u003emountain ash\u003c\/a\u003e (Sorbus aucuparia) and black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa), often grouped under the hybrid name × Sorbaronia and sometimes associated with the name Likornaya. From the research we’ve done in creating this description, it traces back to breeding work attributed to Ivan Michurin and has been grown as a cold-climate edible ornamental.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom what we have read about the variety, the dark purple fruit is generally considered better for culinary use than straight fresh eating. The flavor can be astringent or mealy when eaten out of hand, but it performs very well when processed into juice, jelly, sauces, syrups, and wine (often blended with other fruits to round it out). It’s also valued for nutritional density (often noted as high in vitamin C) and for adding color and body to blends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIvan’s Beauty grows as a small tree or large shrub, typically around 8–10 feet tall, with showy clusters of light flowers and attractive foliage. It’s commonly described as low-maintenance and useful as a border\/hedgerow edible ornamental. It is generally considered self-fertile, so one plant can produce fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased on the research we’ve done and what we have read about the variety, Ivan’s Beauty is consistently rated as hardy to at least USDA Zone 3, which corresponds to mid-winter minimums around −40°F. That makes it a solid choice for cold climates where both mountain ash and aronia are already proven performers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Notable Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA major reason people grow Ivan’s Beauty is that it combines ornamental value with real utility: spring flowers, attractive foliage, and heavy clusters of dark fruit that can apparently be turned for high-quality preserves and beverages even when fresh eating is not the primary goal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImage has been enhanced for resolution. Original image courtesy of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/uncommonfruit.cias.wisc.edu\/\" title=\"Ivan's Beauty Montana Fruit Tree Company Dale Secher Carandale Farm University of Wisconsin\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDale Secher at Carandale Farm (U. of Wisconsin)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Ivan's Beauty Aronia x Mtn. Ash\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Ivan's Beauty Aronia x Mtn. Ash need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt helps. Ivan's Beauty Aronia x Mtn. Ash is partially self-fertile, so it can set some fruit alone, but a second variety nearby makes crops more dependable. Ivan's Beauty sets fruit on its own, but crops can be spotty because it is only moderately self-fruitful. No tested pollenizer for it is known. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/baby-shipova-pear-x-mtn-ash\"\u003eBaby Shipova Pear x Mountain Ash\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Ivan's Beauty Aronia x Mtn. Ash?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Ivan's Beauty Aronia x Mtn. Ash 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 Ivan's Beauty Aronia x Mtn. Ash need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 1,000 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,500. 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#ivans-beauty-aronia-x-mtn-ash\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Ivan's Beauty Aronia x Mtn. Ash good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Ivan's Beauty Aronia x Mtn. Ash are ornamental value (7\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10), juice and sweet cider (6\/10), feeding wildlife (6\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Ivan's Beauty Aronia x Mtn. Ash 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: 2-4 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","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"2-4 ft.","offer_id":42499281322050,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/ivans-beauty-aronia-mountain-ash-fruit.jpg?v=1789020384"},{"product_id":"american-linden","title":"American Linden (Bundle of 3) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e American Linden is a linden tree rated hardy to zone 2 in our ratings (winters to -50°F), and needs no pollination.\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\u003eBasswood, American basswood (Tilia americana)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\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 800 hours (600 to 1,200). 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#american-linden\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo Pollination Needed. Linden is grown for shade and bee forage, so you do not need a second tree for anything you want from it. Its summer flowers are a top nectar source for honeybees and other pollinators, but it blooms long after fruit trees and is not an orchard pollenizer. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pollination-charts#linden\"\u003ePollination Charts\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePollinators (9\/10), shade (7\/10), feeding wildlife (6\/10), ornamental value (6\/10), wood (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, 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\u003cdiv class=\"product-excerpt\" data-content-field=\"excerpt\" id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1759336476188_127\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eAmerican Linden, also known as Basswood, is native to eastern North America—stretching from southeast Manitoba east to New Brunswick, and south through northeast Oklahoma and South Carolina, with a western reach along the Niobrara River to Cherry County, Nebraska.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eLate Bloomer, Big Impact\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThis tree is excellent for attracting pollinators and happens to be the latest blooming tree in Missoula (at least that we’re aware of). It can set blossoms as late as the end of July—a full two months after most other trees have bloomed! That makes it an incredibly valuable mid-summer food source for honeybees when not much else is blooming. Also, this is one of a handful of deciduous trees that actually reach their true form in Western Montana. Many deciduous trees simply seem stunted even at maturity given our calcareous, dry soils and harsh climate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eDelicious Honey \u0026amp; Coppicing Potential\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eLinden honey is some of the best-tasting honey out there—light, floral, and truly unique. American Linden is also a great species for coppicing, making it versatile beyond its ornamental and ecological value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold Hardy \u0026amp; Ready to Grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eHardy to Zone 2, this tree is built for cold climates and tough conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003ePlants are 3-5 ft. tall\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about American Linden\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is American Linden?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate American Linden 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 American Linden 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. That comes from published figures for this variety. In an Auburn University trial, American linden leafed out best after 600 to 1,000 chill hours. Any northern winter covers that easily. 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#american-linden\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is American Linden good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for American Linden are pollinators (9\/10), shade (7\/10), feeding wildlife (6\/10), ornamental value (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat American Linden?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse American Linden now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does American Linden 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":42535330349122,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/american-linden-flowers.webp?v=1789019153"},{"product_id":"bur-oak-bundle-of-3","title":"Bur Oak (Bundle of 3) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bur Oak is an oak tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), and wind-pollinated.\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 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#bur-oak-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\u003eWind-Pollinated. Bloom group 4 of 7 (mid), late spring here. Bur oak is wind-pollinated and rarely sets acorns from its own pollen, so plant the three seedlings together for acorns. It is a wildlife tree rather than a bee plant and is not an orchard pollenizer. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/pollination-charts#bur-oak\"\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), shade (8\/10), windbreaks and hedgerows (7\/10), ornamental value (6\/10), wood (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, 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\u003cdiv class=\"product-excerpt\" data-content-field=\"excerpt\" id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1760990612189_127\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"80\" data-end=\"113\"\u003eOverview \u0026amp; Native Range\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"114\" data-end=\"313\"\u003eMontana’s only native Oak, Bur oak is at the extreme western edge of its more common Eastern\/Midwestern range in Montana, where there is a localized, though fairly large, occurrence in Carter County.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"315\" data-end=\"347\"\u003ePerformance in Montana\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"348\" data-end=\"483\"\u003eDoes very well in Missoula once its taproot gets established. There are mature Oak trees over 70 ft. on University of Montana’s campus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"485\" data-end=\"511\"\u003eUses \u0026amp; Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"512\" data-end=\"581\"\u003eNuts can be used as long as the tannins are leached. Hardy to zone 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"583\" data-end=\"602\"\u003eTree Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"603\" data-end=\"631\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eThese trees are 3-5 ft. tall\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Bur Oak\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Bur Oak?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Bur Oak 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 Bur Oak 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. Oaks leaf out late in spring. Any northern winter fully satisfies their chill, so slow leaf-out on new trees is normal. 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#bur-oak-bundle-of-3\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Bur Oak good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Bur Oak are feeding wildlife (9\/10), shade (8\/10), windbreaks and hedgerows (7\/10), ornamental value (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Bur Oak?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Bur Oak now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Bur Oak 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":42535335329858,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/bur-oak-acorns-on-branch.jpg?v=1789019775"},{"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"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/collections\/mountain-ash-tree-with-berries.jpg?v=1792788468","url":"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/collections\/shade-trees.oembed","provider":"Montana Fruit Trees","version":"1.0","type":"link"}