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Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden © Project SOUND Gardening with California Native Plants in Western L.A. County Project SOUND 2014 (our 10 th year)

Fabulous fruits 2014

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Lecture on edible California native fruits given as part of the native plants gardening series 'Out of the Wilds and Into your Garden' - 2014

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Page 1: Fabulous fruits   2014

Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden

© Project SOUND

Gardening with California Native Plants in Western L.A. County Project SOUND – 2014 (our 10th year)

Page 2: Fabulous fruits   2014

© Project SOUND

Fabulous Fruits: California native plants with

edible fruits

C.M. Vadheim and T. Drake

CSUDH & Madrona Marsh Preserve

Madrona Marsh Preserve

April 5 & 8, 2014

Page 3: Fabulous fruits   2014

2014: Bringing Nature Home - Lessons from

Gardening Traditions Worldwide

© Project SOUND

A few lessons from the gardens of France

http://www.lelude.com/en/jardins.php

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We’ll also see how Moroccan gardens

incorporate fruit trees

© Project SOUND http://www.darnanka.com/en/swimmingpool-garden.php

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What do most people think of when they

think of fruit trees?

© Project SOUND

http://www.treemendus-fruit.com/_borders/apple%20tree.JPG

http://www.texaspeaches.com/vogel/PeachTree.jpg

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The Rose family contains some of our

most tempting fruits

One of the six most economically important crop plant families

Includes: apples, pears, quinces, loquats, almonds, peaches/ nectarines, apricots, plums, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and roses

© Project SOUND

Hawthorn

Page 7: Fabulous fruits   2014

What is a fruit? How do they develop?

Fruit (botany): a part of a flowering plant that develops from specific tissues of the flower (one or more ovaries, and in some cases accessory tissues).

As the ovules develop into seeds, the ovary begins to ripen and the ovary wall, the pericarp, may become fleshy (as in berries), or form a hard outer covering (as in nuts).

© Project SOUND http://urbanext.illinois.edu/apples/images/plant.gif

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Why did fleshy fruits arise in some plants?

Fruits are the means by which these plants disseminate seeds.

By making the fruits more attractive (sweet/colorful), plants attract the best disseminators: birds, animals & humans

This is another good example of:

Mutualistic relationships

Plants spending a little extra energy on reproduction

© Project SOUND

https://botanistinthekitchen.wordpress.com/2013/08/

Are plants our servants – or

are we theirs???

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There actually is a CA native apple

Raintree Nursery

Forest Farm Nursery

© Project SOUND

*Malus fusca - Pacific crabapple

https://www.forestfarm.com/product.php?id=2938 http://okanaganokanogan.com/2013/09/17/ancient-stories-of-life-death-and-art/

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© Project SOUND

* Madrone – Arbutus menziesii

©2006 Julie Wakelin

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SW British Columbia S through WA, OR, CA (coastal mountains & west slopes Sierra Nevada; San Gabriels .

The southern limit: Mount Palomar, San Diego County.

Wooded slopes/canyons in oak, redwood, mixed evergreen forests, chaparral < 5000 ft.

© Project SOUND

* Madrone – Arbutus menziesii

©2006 Julie Wakelin

Image by Scott Jones

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-

bin/get_cpn.pl?ARME

http://en.wikipedia.org/wik

i/Arbutus_menziesii

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Madrone: declining in most of its range

Possible causes: fire control Under natural conditions, madrones depend on intermittent naturally

occurring fires to reduce the conifer overstory.

Mature trees survive fire, and can regenerate more rapidly after fire. They are often associated. They also produce very large numbers of seeds, which sprout following fire.

Possible causes: increasing development pressures Destruction due to changed drainage: extremely sensitive to alteration

of the grade or drainage near the root crown.

Until about 1970, this phenomenon was not widely recognized; many local governments have addressed this issue by stringent restrictions on grading and drainage alterations when Madrones are present.

Possible causes: disease Susceptible to many fungal pathogens

Affected to a small extent by sudden oak death, a disease caused by the water-mold Phytophthora ramorum.

© Project SOUND

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© Project SOUND

Madrone: a stately tree Size: 50-100+ ft tall (slow

growth; generally 20-50 ft)

20-75 ft wide

Growth form: Large evergreen woody tree

Heavy limbs; irregular pattern

Bark red; peeling

Foliage: Green to blue-green

Leaves medium size (3-5 in. long), simple, shiny

Regular leaf drop

Roots: Extensive root system

Resprouts from burl

©2002 Timothy D. Ives

H. Vannoy Davis © California Academy of Sciences

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© Project SOUND

Flowers: like manzanita

Blooms: in Spring; usually Mar-May S. CA lower elevations

Flowers: Small size

White; urn-shaped like manzanita

Large, showy clusters

Bee pollinators; also visited by hummingbirds

Seeds: Small and hard

Strong embryo dormancy - Require 40-60 day cold-moist stratification + acid treatment for good germination

© 2006, G. D. Carr

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Madrone fruits: showy and edible

Pea-size bumpy, scarlet red berries

Ripen fall through winter

Very showy – one of the reasons this species is planted

Can be eaten raw, boiled, steamed or used to make ‘cider’; can be stored for a long time if boiled and dried

Salinan, Miwok, Pomo, and other California tribes hand picked berries. Higher branches were shaken or hit with a long stick to knock off the berries into a basket or cleared area

You can use a long-handled pruner . © Project SOUND

http://www.rainyside.com/plant_gallery/natives/Arbutus_menziesii.html

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Ground madrone/manzanita berries

Collect berries in fall.

Dry berries.

Grind into a fine powder.

Use as a sweet spice or sugar substitute – or for tea.

© Project SOUND

http://www.livingwild.org/fall/madrone/

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Wild

Granola

Ingredients 4 cups rolled oats

1 cup chopped almonds or other nuts

¾ cup coconut

¼ cup maple syrup or Manzanita sugar

½ cup vegetable oil

¾ tsp salt

½ cup prepared Oak nut flour

¼ cup dried and ground wild berries (Madrone, Manzanita, Toyon)

½ cup fresh berries if available

Instructions Preheat oven to 300o.

Combine the oats, nuts and coconut; add syrup or Manzanita sugar, Oak nut flour, oil and salt.

Pour onto 2 sheet pans; cook for approximately 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Add ground berries.

Top with fresh berries just before serving.

© Project SOUND

http://www.livingwild.org/fall/madrone/

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© Project SOUND

Plant Requirements Soils:

Texture: well-drained soils

pH: slightly acidic best

Light: Plants need part-shade for

establishment

Probably not suited for very hot gardens

Water: Winter: good rainfall; most

places in natural range get more than we do

Summer: Treat as Water Zone 2 in our area: occasional deep water

Other: organic mulch away from trunk and burl

Image by Scott Jones

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© Project SOUND

Madrone : big places

Large tree in Zone 2 places; shade tree

Along the coast

On North-facing slopes

©2007 Julie Kierstead Nelson

© 2013, Ben Legler © 2005, Shaun Hubbard

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Madrones are great habitat trees

Important food for the dark-eyed junco, fox sparrow, band-tailed pigeon, quail and others; Fruits also eaten by mammals

Important habitat for primary cavity-nesting species such as the red-breasted sapsucker and hairy woodpecker.

Secondary cavity nesters such as the acorn woodpecker, downy woodpecker, mountain chickadee, house wren, and western bluebird also nest in Madrones

© Project SOUND

© 2009, Al Dodson

The trees provide food, perches and

nesting places for many bird species.

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Madrone as medicine

Burns - Rub crushed, fresh leaves on skin according to the Cowichan Indians.

Colds, Coughs and Sore Throats - Add approximately 5 leaves to boiling water and steep for 20 minutes to make tea. Drink twice daily for colds and gargle as needed for sore throats.

Purification and Ceremony - Leaves were used in puberty ceremonies by the Karok Indians.

Rheumatism, Sore Muscles, Joint Inflammation - Rub crushed leaves on skin.

Stomach Disorders - Chew 1 to 2 leaves for stomachache or cramps, according to the Miwok and Cahuilla Indians, or make Madrone cider by steeping the leaves for 20 minutes.

© Project SOUND

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© Project SOUND

*Black (Western) hawthorn – Crataegus douglasii

© 2004, Ben Legler

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© Project SOUND

*Black (Western) hawthorn – Crataegus douglasii

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Crataegus_douglasii_range_map_2.png

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?6677,6716,6717

Native to northern and western North America to N. CA - most abundant in the Pacific Northwest

Grows in varied habitats from forest to scrubland.

Requirement: access to deep water

Page 24: Fabulous fruits   2014

Hawthorn: not just in N. America

Historically, hawthorn species were used for building hedges and many cultivars have adorned ornamental English gardens.

The common name hawthorn comes from an Anglo-Saxon word haguthorn that is translated into “a fence with thorns.”

The English affinity for hawthorns extends to the traditional use of its beautiful blossoms in May Day celebrations, to poetry where the tree often symbolizes the spirit of spring – and to lovely jellies

© Project SOUND

http://urbanbutterflygarden.co.uk/hawthorn-a-shrub-native-

in-hedgerows-across-britain

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© Project SOUND

Hawthorn: large shrub of small tree

Size: 10-35 ft tall

10-20 ft wide

Growth form: Mounded, shrubby form

Several trunks – or short single trunks with many stout stems above

True thorns

Winter deciduous

Slow growing

Foliage: Medium green

Oval leaves with distal teeth

Roots: deep roots

J. E.(Jed) and Bonnie McClellan © California Academy of Sciences © 2004, Ben Legler

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© Project SOUND

Flowers: Rose family

Blooms: in Spring – April-May in wild - ?? April in S. Bay

Flowers:

Modest size: perhaps ¾ inch; but in showy clusters

White; in parts of 5 typical for Rose family

Unusual scent (‘fishy’) – attracts pollinators including butterflies and midges

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crataegus_douglasii

Susan McDougall @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

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Pomes: think ‘apple’

Pome: seed-bearing ovary (core) is surrounded by a thick, fleshy hypanthium

Usually has multiple seeds

Common in the Rose family

Examples:

Garden fruits: apple, cotoneaster, loquat, pear, Asian pear, pyracantha

Native fruits: toyon, hawthorn, manzanita, mission manzanita. serviceberry, rosehip,

© Project SOUND

http://www.puchen.org/gardens/Conservatory/pl/fruit2.html

http://garden65.blogspot.com/2013/10/foraging.html

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Rose’s dirty little secret…poison

The highly cyanogenic nature of rosaceous stone fruits (e.g. almonds, peaches, cherries) has long been known.

The fleshy portions of the ripe fruits are basically innocuous – so we eat them

The seeds, which accumulate the cyanogenic disaccharide (R)-amygdalin, have been responsible for numerous cases of acute cyanide poisoning of humans and domesticated and wild animals

© Project SOUND http://barefootintheorchard.blogspot.com/2011/07/fridays-photos-stone-fruit.html

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Toyon – just a rose by another name?

The cyanogenic glycoside content of Toyon - as well as its resultant toxicity to insects and other herbivores - is well described.

The cyanogenic potential is highest in the newly developing leaves.

The cyanic glycosides in the pulp of immature fruits protect them from premature bird predation

During the long seed maturation process, cyanogenic glucosides are gradually shifted from pulp to seed, while pulp carbohydrates increase and fruits turn from green to red.

The birds read the cues and eat the fruit

Subsequent seed predation is prevented by the localization of cyanogenic glycosides in the seeds. It can be used (as needed) or converted to other Nitrogen compounds.

© Project SOUND

Toyon is the ‘pome’ branch of the

Rose Family along with quince, pear,

apple hawthorn, pyracantha,

cotoneaster, pomegranate, and others

http://curls-eyelashes.blogspot.com/2012/12/why-coat-apple-fruits.html

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Hawthorn: lovely

for jellies, sauces

Dark red when ripe in fall

Fairly easy to pick – just beware of thorns [another Rose protective trick]

Many uses: Jelly/syrup

Catsup/chutney

Sauces

Alcoholic cordials/wine

Etc., etc., etc.

Come to the Spring Garden Tea at Madrona – April 12th to taste

© Project SOUND

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© Project SOUND

Hawthorn

Requirements Soils:

Texture: any well-drained

pH: any local except very alkali

Light: Part-shade/dappled sun is

optimal in our area

Full sun with adequate water

Water: Winter: plenty

Summer: regular to moderate water – Water Zone 2-3 or 3 for good fruiting

Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils

Other: needs an organic mulch and/or herbaceous groundcover (Yarrow; strawberries; etc.)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crataegus_douglasii

Plant young & don’t move – long taproot

Page 32: Fabulous fruits   2014

© Project SOUND

Hawthorn

In an edibles or medicinal plants garden

As a small tree or background shrub – or in a hedgerow

Habitat: Larval Host: Gray Hairstreak,

Mourning Cloak

Birds ; insect pollinators

©2009 John J. Kehoe

http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CRDO2

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Hedgerows: food,

health & habitat

Many of the plants in this month’s list are perfect size and habit for hedges and hedgerows

Be sure to look at the list

© Project SOUND

Page 34: Fabulous fruits   2014

© Project SOUND

Netleaf hackberry – Celtis laevigata var. reticulata

Celtis reticulata

Page 35: Fabulous fruits   2014

Native to western United States (mainly the Southwest), but extending eastward

Riverside & San Bernardino Co, Kern Co - Banning, Mojave Desert Mtns

Most commonly in bottomlands, washes, ravines, arroyos, etc. Also as scattered individuals in desert shrubland and semi-desert grasslands.

© Project SOUND

Netleaf hackberry – Celtis laevigata var. reticulata

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?7729,7730,7731

http://www.arizonensis.org/sonoran/fieldguide/plantae/celtis_reticulata.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celtis_reticulata

Page 36: Fabulous fruits   2014

© Project SOUND

Celtis: nice size water-wise tree

Size: 20-30 ft tall

20-30 ft wide

Growth form: Usually a small tree with relatively

short trunk; bumpy bark

Spreading branches; rounded form

Medium-slow growth; lives 100-200 years

Winter deciduous

Foliage: Medium green; simple with net-like

veins underside; gritty feel

Roots: wide-spreading, shallow & deep. Don’t plant too near foundation

©2013 Jean Pawek

http://www.bio.utexas.edu/courses/bio406d/images/pics/ulm/celtis_laevigata_reticulata.htm

http://www.bio.utexas.edu/courses/bio406d/images/pics/ulm/celtis_laevigata_reticulata.htm

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© Project SOUND

Flowers: not much to

write home about

Blooms: spring - usually March-April S. CA

Flowers: Separate male and female flowers

on same plant

Female flowers (shown) not very noticeable – green-yellow and small

Flowers on this year’s growth

Fruits develop from an inferior ovary

Vegetative reproduction: Can re-sprout from root crown if

above-ground portions are damaged

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Celtis_reticulata

http://www.friocanyonnature.com/n/w/celtis-r.htm

Page 38: Fabulous fruits   2014

Fruit: sweet drupes

Fruits are small drupes ( ¼ - ½ inch)

Ripen in late summer or fall; ripe fruits are red to dark red

Surprisingly sweet and tasty – you can eat them fresh, but they have a big seed

Important food source for many Native American peoples; eat fresh, dried, as fruit leather, cooked

Make nice jelly, candy, syrup – or dried and ground for tea, seasoning

Birds love them; they stay on the tree in winter, so birds can eat great quantities of them

© Project SOUND

http://www.friocanyonnature.com/n/w/celtis-r.htm

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Drupe: think ‘peach’

Drupe: Seed enclosed within a stony endocarp (pit).

fleshy, one-seeded fruits that do not split open at maturity; the seeds are enclosed in a woody shell, the endocarp (Toxic).

These hard-shelled seeds are often called ‘stones’.

Cherries, plums, peaches (including Desert peach and Desert almond), mangos, hackberries, madrone and olives are stone-fruits (drupes).

© Project SOUND

http://www.puchen.org/gardens/Conservatory/pl/fruit2.html

http://www.friocanyonnature.com/n/w/celtis-r.htm

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Why do fruits change color as they ripen?

Answer 1: to let their seed disseminators know that fruit is ripe (seeds are mature)

Answer 2: changes in fruit’s pigment composition

Decrease in chlorophyll (which masks other pigments)

Production of new pigments: anythocyanins

Changing pH – changes color of anthocyanins from blue to red

Other chemical changes

© Project SOUND http://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/imagelib/imgdetails.php?imgid=219192

Page 42: Fabulous fruits   2014

Cooking with native Rosaceae fruits

Pick when ripe – a few slightly under-ripe are fine (and will help jelly set better)

Wash and remove damaged fruits

Dry or expose to heat through:

Baking

Simmering in a little water to extract juice

Seeds will stay intact (they are pretty hard)

Seeds are strained out before using as juice/jelly/syrup

© Project SOUND

Page 43: Fabulous fruits   2014

© Project SOUND

Hackberry: hardy Soils:

Texture: any well-drained

pH: any local, including alkali

Light: full sun to part-shade

Water: Winter: adequate

Summer: wide tolerance range: Water Zone 1-2 to 2-3

Fertilizer: whatever you want to supply

Other: galls are common; pther than that no problems

Sheri Hagwood @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

http://www.arizonensis.org/sonoran/fieldguide/plantae/celtis_reticulata.html

Start training up fairly early

Page 44: Fabulous fruits   2014

© Project SOUND

Hackberry: water-

wise shade tree

Shade, water-wise, habitat and fruit – good all-purpose tree

Good choice for home & public

Fine for rain garden/infiltration

Takes heat, cold, sun

http://selectree.calpoly.edu/treedetail.lasso?rid=301

http://museum2.utep.edu/chih/gardens/plants/celtisr.htm

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French gardens are known for their play

of sun and shade

© Project SOUND http://www.rightfrenchmove.com/french-property-buy-detail.php?ID=1037

Page 46: Fabulous fruits   2014

Follow the French: choose edible trees

© Project SOUND

http://www.aridzonetrees.com/AZT%20Interactive%20Buttons/Tree%20Index/Cut

%20sheets/Celtis/Celtis%20reticulata.htm

http://www.lushome.com/lovely-french-country-home-interiors-outdoor-rooms-rustic-

decor/105065

http://rosesandrustblogger.blogspot.com/2012/08/provencal-in-franschhoek.html

In small gardens, fruit trees

provide shade, food and habitat

Page 47: Fabulous fruits   2014

© Project SOUND

* Western Serviceberry – Amelanchier alnifolia

© 2007 Matt Below

Page 48: Fabulous fruits   2014

© Project SOUND

* Western Serviceberry – Amelanchier alnifolia

Mainly a plant of the Pacific Northwest, the midwest and western Canada – up to AK

In CA, mainly in the northwest; also, in the western San Gabriel mountains

Found on forested slopes, open rocky woods, cliff edges, prairies, or along side streams or lakes; also bogs and wet sites.

‘Serviceberry’ and ‘Juneberry’

refer to the time of bloom

http://www.cnr.vt.edu/DENDRO/DENDROL

OGY/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=193

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© Project SOUND

In the local mountains, Western

Serviceberry is an understory to pines

Often grows in the shade of the overstory trees

In Western San Gabriels

http://biology.csusb.edu/PlantGuideFolder/SanGabriels.htm

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© Project SOUND

Western Serviceberry: very adaptable

Size: 6-15+ ft tall

6-10 ft wide

Growth form: Erect shrub/single or multi-

trunk small tree

Branches smooth with gray or red bark

Dense, but winter-deciduous

Medium/slow growing

Foliage: Medium to dark green

Leaves oval, toothed

Roots: spreads via rhizomes; also deep taproots

http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=amal2

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© Project SOUND

Serviceberry is showy in bloom

Blooms: Spring: usually Apr-May

in Western L.A. Co.

Bloom period up to 1 mo.

Flowers: White; rose-like

In dense clusters; very showy

Fragrant (sweet)

Seeds: Like rose; propagate

similar to roses

© 2004, Ben Legler

Page 52: Fabulous fruits   2014

© Project SOUND

But most folks like

the berries best

Ripen in summer

Dark blue-purple when ripe with white bloom – look like blueberries

Loved by berry-eating birds – you’ll probably have to outwit them!

Use just like a blueberry: Eat fresh or dry

Used in baked goods

Use for sauces, syrups, jellies, beverages, etc.

http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=amal2 http://www.malag.aes.oregonstate.edu/wildflowers/species.php/id-103

Page 53: Fabulous fruits   2014

Berries: think ‘currant’

Fruit from a superior ovary, whole pericarp is fleshy, no stony layer, one or many seeds

entire ovary wall ripens into a relatively soft pericarp, the seeds are embedded in the common flesh of the ovary

Examples: tomato, persimmon, grape, date, blueberry, grape, serviceberry, currants/ gooseberries, loquat, pomegranate, orange, lemon, grapefruit, banana; most members of the squash family (Cucurbitaceae) such as watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumber. .

© Project SOUND

http://www.puchen.org/gardens/Conservatory/pl/fruit2.html

Page 54: Fabulous fruits   2014

What’s the difference between a

vegetable and a fruit?

Answer: it all depends on who is talking

Botanist:

Fruit is a matured ovary that contains seeds; a vegetable is from a non-sexual part (leaf, root, stem, etc.)

If it contains seeds, it’s a fruit

Chef:

Fruit is sweet and a vegetable is not

© Project SOUND

http://all-free-download.com/free-vector/vector-misc/fruit_cut_in_half_310961.html

http://img4-3.cookinglight.timeinc.net/i/2006/11/0611p26a-

squash-l.jpg?400:400

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© Project SOUND

Serviceberry does well in the home garden

Soils: Texture: just about any

moderately or well-drained soil

pH: likes pH between 5.0-7.5

Light: Adaptable: part-sun best, but

can take full sun to quite shady

Water: Winter: like good soil moisture

Summer: best in Zone 2 to 2-3

Fertilizer: likes a good organic mulch like leaf litter

© Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College

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© Project SOUND

Serviceberry: a

garden favorite

Makes a great small tree for front yard or patio

Fine as a large shrub; dormant Dec.-Feb/Mar

Good choice for hedge, hedgerow or screen

Espalier along a wall

Can even trim to a medium groundcover

http://www.swcoloradowildflowers.com/White%20Enlarged%20Photo%20Pages/amelanchier.htm

http://www.colostate.edu/Dept/CoopExt/4dmg/Trees/Shrubs/junebrry.htm

http://www.denverwater.org/cons_x

eriscape/xeriscape/garden2002.htm

l Leave some of previous year’s

growth as fruiting wood

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© Project SOUND

French gardeners make the most of

whatever space they have

French (and other Europeans) grow grapes, citrus, apples, pears and other fruits in very narrow spaces: espalier and hedges

http://greengrasslandscape.com/plantdata1.htm

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Walls/fences can provide

food and beauty

Hanging pots/planters with greens, herbs

Used to support melons & other vines

Fruit trees espaliered along a wall

© Project SOUND

http://monkeyfister.blogspot.com/2009_04_26_archive.html

http://www.bellewood-gardens.com/2006/Garden%20Writers'%20Get-Together.html http://www.learn2grow.com/gardeningguides/landscaping/design/Chai

nReaction.aspx

Page 59: Fabulous fruits   2014

Espaliers First introduce in the Roman times

and later mastered in the European Middle Ages, espaliers were a way of planting fruit trees and berry-bearing shrubs in limited spaces (small courtyards) because they are trained to grow vertically along flat surfaces.

They can be created using fruit trees and/or selected native shrubs/trees (need to have proper growth structure)

Great use of narrow spaces

An espalier can add color, texture, smell and many other elements to a dull wall/fence.

© Project SOUND

http://thisbountifulbackyard.com/2012/05/13/mothers-day-trip-to-

chicago-botanic-garden/

Page 60: Fabulous fruits   2014

Ribes – a member of the Gooseberry

family (Grossulariaceae)

120-150 gooseberry species: Northern Hemisphere and temperate South America

Deciduous woody shrubs

Alternate and usually palmately (hand-like) lobed leaves

Flowers in “fives”, in bunches at ends of short branches

Edible fruits – although some are more tasty than others!

http://montana.plant-life.org/families/Grossulariaceae.htm

Dave Powell, USDA Forest Service

Page 61: Fabulous fruits   2014

Everybody loves wild currants!!!

Flowers: Hummingbirds

Numerous early pollinators

Forage source for Coppers, Monarch and

Anglewing butterflies..

Foliage: Roosting, loafing, nesting

for birds Browse for large animals Insect food

http://www.swcoloradowildflowers.com/Pink%20E

nlarged%20Photo%20Pages/ribes.htm

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Everybody loves wild currants!!!

Fruits:

Humans - berries are tasty and

tart, high in Vitamin C

Birds – many species Robins

Cedar waxwings

Vireos

Grosbeaks

Mockingbirds

Finches

Jays

Many, many more http://www.swcoloradowildflowers.com/Pink%20E

nlarged%20Photo%20Pages/ribes.htm

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Moroccans (and French) also grow

fruiting plants in containers

© Project SOUND http://jeffreygardens.blogspot.com/2011_01_01_archive.html

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Our native Ribes would probably work

well in large containers

Ribes aureum var. gracillimum

Ribes californicum

Ribes indecorum

Ribes malvaceum

Ribes speciosum

Ribes menziesii

Ribes montigenum

Ribes sanguineum var. glutinosum

© Project SOUND

http://www.sagestonelandscapes.com/containergardens.htm

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© Project SOUND

Oregon Grape – Mahonia (Berberis) aquifolium

© 2006 Louis-M. Landry

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© Project SOUND

Oregon Grape is a

popular home shrub

foundation plant

mass plantings; shrub border

mixes well with other broadleaf evergreens

useful in shady spots

desirable for spring bloom, high quality summer foliage and blue fruit in fall

All CA native barberries have edible fruit

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Nevin’s Barberry – Mahonia (Berberis) nevinii

J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

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Nevin’s Barberry (chaparral shrub) tolerates

typical garden conditions

Soils: Well-drained; sandy or

gritty best

Light: full sun is best Bright shade

Water:

Quite drought tolerant when established

Give very infrequent deep waterings to improve berry set

Nutrients:

None/low

http://thedeaneorganization.com/clients/lasgrwc/details.asp?action=ProfileDetails&Profil

eID=37

A good choice for hedges and

hedgerows

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© Project SOUND

Fremont’s Barberry – Berberis (Mahonia)

fremontii

Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

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Primarily a plant of the Four Corners region

In CA, Peninsular Ranges, e&s Mojave Desert (Granite Mtns; New York Mtns)

Rocky slopes, pinyon/juniper woodland, chaparral, 900–1850 m

© Project SOUND

Fremont’s Barberry – Berberis fremontii

http://www.birdandhike.com/Veg/Species/Shrubs/Mahoni_fre/_Mah_fre.htm ©2002 Dr. Louis Emmet Mahoney

http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=233500229

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-

bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?1996,2000,2005

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© Project SOUND

Fremont’s Barberry:

large shrub

Size: 5-10 ft tall

5-10 ft wide

Growth form: large, straggly to mounded

evergreen shrub

Upright form; branched

Slow-growing

Foliage: Green to gray-green; leaves

holly-like

Unique, attractive

May provide fall color

Roots: bright yellow dye and medicinals

Introduced into cultivation in California by Theodore Payne

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© Project SOUND

Flowers are fantastic!!

Blooms: in spring – usually March-May in S. CA, depending on weather

Flowers: Bright, golden yellow

Small but many – a mature plant can be covered in flowers

Fragrant

Flowers attract insect pollinators (primarily bees)

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mahonia_fremontii

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Berries are edible

True berries with small seeds

Ripen in summer

Ripe berries red to purple; about ½ inch

Slightly drier flesh than other Berberis/Mahonia

Berries are sour but edible fresh, cooked (usual), or to make a beverage

Birds and mammals also eat berries – they won’t go to waste

© Project SOUND

http://www.birdandhike.com/Veg/Species/Shrubs/Mahoni_fre/_Mah_fre.htm

http://www.wildlandnursery.com/456/mahonia-fremontii-desert-holly/fremontberries2/

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© Project SOUND

Most drought tolerant

mahonia Soils:

Texture: any well-drained

pH: any local

Light: full sun to part-shade; tolerates heat well

Water: Winter: adequate

Summer: quite dry to some irrigation – Water Zone 1-2 to 2 probably best.

Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils; inorganic or very thin organic mulch

Other: Beware of prickly leaves

Is not planted in agricultural areas because is an alternate host for wheat rust (fungal)

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mahonia_fremontii

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© Project SOUND

Garden uses for

Fremont’s barberry

Ornamental shrub; seasonal color

In hedges/hedgerows or espalier

Great addition to habitat/edible garden

Appropriate for desert gardens

Al Schneider @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

http://www.greensparrowgardens.com/2013/11/denver-botanic-garden-does-not.html http://www.swcoloradowildflowers.com/yellow%20enlarged%20photo%20page

s/mahonia.htm

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© Project SOUND

Barberries are tart but delicious

Can be eaten directly for a tasty zing!

Can be fermented with sugar to wine

Make nice, tart jellies – good with meats

Boil berries in soup to add flavor

Use to make sauces and marinades for ham, pork, chicken

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© Project SOUND

* Silver buffaloberry – Shepherdia argentea

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shepherdia_argentea

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Primary distribution outside of CA

South Coast Ranges, Western Transverse Ranges, San Bernardino Mountains

Mt. Pinos, Cuyama River Valley/Piru

Along streams, river bottoms, slopes, 1000–2000 m.

Introduced into cultivation in California by Theodore Payne

© Project SOUND

* Silver buffaloberry – Shepherdia argentea

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_cpn.pl?SHAR

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shepherdia_argentea ©2010 Lee Dittmann

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Elaeagnaceae – the Oleaster family

45-50 species; three genera (Elaeagnus, Hippophaë, Shepherdia).

Small trees and shrubs

Temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, south into tropical Asia and Australia

Most of the species are xerophytes (dry habitats); several are also halophytes, tolerating high levels of soil salinity.

Commonly thorny, with simple leaves often coated with tiny scales or hairs.

Often harbor nitrogen-fixing actinomycetes of the genus Frankia in their roots, making them useful for soil reclamation.

Can be weedy

© Project SOUND Russian Olive - invasive

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elaeagnus_angustifolia

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shepherdia_argentea

_%E2%80%94_Matt_Lavin_001.jpg

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© Project SOUND

Silver buffaloberry: silvery foliage

Size: 6-15 ft tall

6-10 ft wide

Growth form: Deciduous large shrub or small

tree

Bark silver-white, exfoliating

Some stout thorns

Foliage: Leaves simple, lance-shaped

Color: silvery green – like olive tree

Roots: complex; shallow and deep; sprouting from rhizomes

©2005 Louis-M. Landry

http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=SHAR

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© Project SOUND

Flowers: simple

Blooms: in spring - usually April-May in many areas

Flowers: Dioecious (separate male &

female plants)

Both are simple, yellow flowers – small (males slightly larger)

Long bloom period

Bee pollinated – perhaps with help from pollinator flies

Vegetative reproduction: sprouting from rhizomes

Al Schneider @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

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Fruits are drupe-like

Ripen in late summer/fall

Ripe color varies – usually dark red but may be yellow

Fruits have single large seed

Use soon after harvesting – and best to harvest after a cold spell – sweeter

Used to make pies, jams, and jellies & other cooked foods; or dried – breaks down the low levels of saponins

Native Americans also used berries/bark medicinally for fevers, stomach complaints & more.

© Project SOUND http://www.nps.gov/plants/sos/news/BLM-Montana-

Dakotas%20Miles%20City%20Field%20Office%20Develops%20Native%20Plant%20Materials%

20Program.htm

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Harvesting

Buffaloberry

The fruit ripens in late summer and should be picked slightly under ripe when making jellies because of the higher pectin levels.

The fruit is best harvested by shaking branches and catching the fruits in a sheet or flat pan spread on the ground.

© Project SOUND

http://www.wildflowers-and-weeds.com/Plant_Families/Elaeagnaceae.htm

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Why do fruits get softer, juicier and

sweeter with time?

Answer 1 – to attract their seed disseminators

Answer 2 – part of the life cycle of the fruit (fruit senescence)

Breakdown of cellulose bonds (some) makes fruit softer

Fruit cells take up and store more water (juicier)

Ripening fruits are a ‘sink’ – more sugars are diverted to them from the leaves

Some bitter-tasting (often poisonous) compounds break down

Involves several plant hormones, often in response to environmental signals

© Project SOUND

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Saponins and other compounds break

down with ripening

Buffaloberry's fruit is tart but sweetens some if given enough time to ripen bright red and to pass through several freezes.

Robins, Sparrows, Red-Winged Blackbirds, Grosbeaks, and many other birds usually eat the fruit when it is yellow or light orange in July and early August, weeks before humans would call it palatable.

© Project SOUND

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© Project SOUND

Plant Requirements Soils:

Texture: well-drained is best, but adaptable

pH: any local

Light: Full sun to part-shade

Water: Winter: needs good moisture

Summer: fairly drought tolerant but best with some summer water – Water Zone 2 or 2-3. Let dry out between waterings to prevent fungal diseases

Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils

Other: inorganic or thin layer of organic mulch; prune out suckers regularly – other than that easy

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© Project SOUND

Garden uses

Often used as hedge/ hedgerow plant – also good on slopes

Nice accent plant – showy foliage and berries – quite pretty with a little pruning

R.A. Howard @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

http://conservationgardenpark.org/plants/213/silver-

buffaloberry/

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© Project SOUND

* Western Chokecherry – Prunus virginiana var. demissa

http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=23962

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© Project SOUND

Garden uses for

Chokecherry

Trimmed as a small tree

For hedgerows & screens

As a large accent shrub – pretty most of the year

For erosion control – good on slopes

Note: recommended only for colder gardens – ‘chill factor’

http://www.landscapedia.info/images/plant_images/Prunus_virginiana_Canada_Red_.jpg

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What is a ‘chill

factor’? Number of hours between 32 and 45°

F in a winter

Why is it important? Keeps trees from breaking dormancy prematurely – corresponds to a ‘normal winter’s worth’ of cold

What happens if not met? Plants won’t emerge from dormancy – won’t bloom/fruit normally and may develop other symptoms such as delayed/ extended bloom, delayed foliation, reduced fruit set/poor fruit quality.

Native plants from an area have the ‘right’ chill requirements for that area

© Project SOUND

http://nativeplantwildlifegarden.com/chill-out-the-climatic-factor-

every-native-plant-gardener-must-know/

We live in a ‘low chill factor’

area

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How do I know what the chilling

requirements are for a native fruit plant

Not so easy – many native fruit plants have not been formally tested.

Always safe – local natives

Also good bets: Chaparral plants (S. CA)

Likely the desert plants

Take a chance: Many plants have a wider tolerance

range than first believed

Even if you don’t get lots of fruits, you’ll have a nice tree/shrub

© Project SOUND

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© Project SOUND

* Desert Peach – Prunus andersonii

http://species.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prunus_andersonii_(USDA).jpg

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© Project SOUND

Small and shrubby, but a real peach

Size: 3-6 ft tall

3-6 ft wide – but spreading

Growth form: Dense, mounded shrub; lots of

side-branching

Individual stems live ~ 5-10 years, then die

Winter-deciduous

Bark light gray

Foliage: Light green to gray-green

Leaves small for peach - desert

Roots: clonal; spreading via rhizomes

http://www.unce.unr.edu/programs/sites/nemo/lid/plantlist/plantdetails.asp?ID=38

http://mudface.net/1landscapenatives.html

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Yum, peaches

In wild, tend to be small & dry

With a little summer water they are delicious

Native Californians eat fresh, make into jelly, dry into fruit leathers

Stems, leaves & roots used for medicines, dyes

© Project SOUND

© 1982 Gary A. Monroe

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© Project SOUND

* Desert almond – Prunus fasciculata

http://www.birdandhike.com/Veg/Species/Shrubs/Prunus_fas/_Pru_fas.htm

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Southwestern U.S. deserts

San Luis Obispo south to the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts from 2,000 to 6,000 feet

Slopes and washes in Creosote Bush Scrub, Joshua Tree Woodland, Pinyon-Juniper Woodland, Coastal Sage Scrub, Desert Chaparral

© Project SOUND

* Desert almond – Prunus fasciculata

http://www.basinandrangewatch.org/Ivanpah-Wildflowers.html http://www.birdandhike.com/Veg/Species/Shrubs/Prunus_fas/_Pru_fas.htm

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© Project SOUND

Desert almond: resilient desert shrub

Size: 3-7+ ft tall

4-6 ft wide

Growth form: Mounded to sprawling large

shrub; winter-deciduous

Many short, rigid branches with gray-white bark

Foliage: Small, narrow leaves

In bundles (fascicles)

Medicinal: weak tea for colds, rheumatism

Roots: spreads via roots or rhizomes

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Prunus_fasciculata http://www.birdandhike.com/Veg/Species/Shrubs/Prunus_fas/_Pru_fas.htm

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A desert survivor

The leaf structures of most desert perennials are modified to prevent water loss: size, shape, coverings

The leaves of Prunus fasciculata, have very tiny hairs that help reduce water loss by reflecting heat and sunlight.

Long-term persistence in current landscape accompanied by high resilience to climatic changes are a likely reason that this species has retained high genetic diversity during the past 10,000 years.

© Project SOUND

http://chga2010.blogspot.com/2011/02/diverse-plant-flora-of-nevada-desert.html

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© Project SOUND

Flowers: not as showy

as some Prunus

Blooms: when weather begins to warm – usually March-April

Flowers: White or pale yellow; small

Typical for Rosaceae: perfect flowers in parts of 5

In axils of twigs/leaves

Good at attracting insect pollinators

Seeds: large, hard pit

Like many such in Rose family (peach; plum; etc) seed is toxic (contains cyanins)

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Prunus_fasciculata

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Fruits: prized by Native

Americans

Cahuilla considered the fruit a great delicacy; important food and a highly prized food source

Small size: about ½-3/4 inch and large pit

Becomes yellow-orange and somewhat soft when ripe (summer) – quite pretty at this time

Flesh can be eaten raw or cooked

Probably best cooked for jelly, sauces, mixed fruit leathers

© Project SOUND http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Prunus_fasciculata

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© Project SOUND

Desert almond:

adaptable

Soils: Texture: any well-drained from

clays to sand

pH: any local including alkali

Light: Full sun (or at least 6 hours per

day) for best fruiting

Water: Winter: adequate; supplement in

dry winters

Summer: quite drought tolerant; best fruit Water Zone 2 – infrequent deep water

Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils –might try light fertilizer (fruits)

Other: no mulch/inorganic mulch or very thin layer organic when young

©2013 Jean Pawek

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© Project SOUND

Desert almond

Proven winner in desert gardens

Good choice for edible/habitat hedge or hedgerow

Good for erosion control

Interesting accent plant, particularly in winter and when fruiting

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Prunus_fasciculata

©2013 Jean Pawek http://www.fourdir.com/p_desert_almond.htm

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Managing fruiting shrubs

in the Rose family

Pest management: Susceptible to Fire Blight & fungal

diseases

Practice good preventive measures (see last lecture handouts)

Pruning: Flowers/fruits on last year’s wood –

leave some if you want fruits

In general, best with minimum of pruning once general shape is established

Suckering: Will happen with watering

Plant accordingly; good candidates for mowed lawn area or someplace where they can just fill in

http://www.kansasforests.org/conservation/shrubs/chokecherry.shtml

http://www.stevenspoint.com/forestry/right_tree/11.html

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Hardy habitat

hedgerow pairings

Desert almond

Desert peach (Prunus andersonii)

Fremont’s barberry

Desert thorns (Lycium spp.)

Desert lavender (Hyptis emoryi)

Desert Olive - Simmondsia chinensis

© Project SOUND

http://www.birdandhike.com/Veg/Species/Shrubs/Prunus_fas/_Pru_fas.htm

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In summary

We’ve learned What a fruit is

How fruits form

Some different types of fruits

We’ve been reminded again of the close relationship between plants, humans and animals

© Project SOUND

http://loriaull.wordpress.com/2008/07/12/western-serviceberry-amelanchier-alnifolia/

Lazuli Bunting in Serviceberry Bush

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In summary

We’ve seen some ways that fruiting trees and shrubs can be used in gardens:

Shade trees

Hedges & hedgerows

Espalier

In large containers

© Project SOUND

http://www.glamourdrops.com/posts/2011/06/16/espalier-fruit-trees-thats-natty

http://www.saga.co.uk/lifestyle/gardening/features/growing-blueberries-in-pots.aspx?Posted=1

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Summary

We’ve learn why unripe fruits and seeds/pits of fruits from the Rose Family can make you sick

We’ve also learn ways to pick and prepare these fruits safely

© Project SOUND

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We hope we’ve inspired you to consider

adding a native fruit tree/shrub

© Project SOUND

http://shade-trees.tripod.com/families/selections/netted_hackberry.html

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And we’ll keep on trying to tempt you…

© Project SOUND

Come to the Native Plant Garden Tea at Madrona - April 12

Visit Mother Nature’s Backyard Blog