Description
You can make a meal by wandering the Pine Barrens of Southeastern Massachusetts. We’ve gathered a micro-forest of 12 shrubs and 2 low growing bear oak trees (17 plants total) for you to plant in your side lot or at the edge of an existing woodland – ideally near a pitch pine. All are native to New England and ecoregion 59. For best harvest, assure plenty of sunlight and air flow by planting in a row – mix or group by species. Alternatively, dot species in an organic shape to create a close knit orchard, but with space to harvest and manage sun exposure and airflow.
3 sand cherry, eastern Prunus pumila 12-15″ tall
Dwarf sand cherry produces creeping stems that radiate outward from the original plant. The prostrate
branches seldom produce growth over 12-15″ high, but the branches may be 10-15 feet long. The gray or black colored stems root prolifically where they contact the ground. The root system is fibrous and extensive. The simple leaves are long and narrow, roughly 2 1/2 by 1/2 inches, and medium green in color. The leaves are shiny on the top surface. Small white to pinkish flowers are produced in May. NRCS Sand Cherry Fact Sheet
3 pin cherry Prunus pensylvanica
3 serviceberry, Canadian Amelanchier canadensis
3 American hazelnuts Corylus americana
2 bear oaks Quercus ilicifolia
The bear oak is a substitute for the jack pine to keep this kit edible (and un taxes!). They are one of the earliest producers of acorns and can produce in 3 years. They are short lived oaks (20-30 years) and can be coppiced.
“If you forage wild blueberries, finding sand cherries will be easy. Along with pin cherries and serviceberries, these love to grow in open habitats like pine barrens and areas with acidic soil. If you see sweetfern, blueberry bushes, jack pine trees and hazelnuts, you’re just about guaranteed sand cherries will be nearby.” Sand Cherry guide by Alan Bergo – the Forager Chef
Every kit comes with a tree tag for each tree and a printable notebook to bring your plans into the next generation or home owner. The notebook contains room for your planting map, notes about maintenance you’ve carried out and citizen science. Additionally, it includes information on: site choice and preparation; a planting guide; protection recommendations; water, mulch and pruning recommendations and notes; 1st year and longer-term management tips, and a list of trees that came with your kit including details on fruit/nut bearing, growth patterns and, if applicable, hedge management guidelines.