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Questions and Answers: 2022

Question: Dear Botanist, I have two Prunus americana in my back garden and am worried about how hard they will be …

• Question

  Dear Botanist, I have two Prunus americana in my back garden and am worried about how hard they will be to maintain and how large they will get (shooting sucker babies all over the place). Also, I was told that my plum tree needed a friend in order to make plums, which is why I got the second tree. Some website say Prunus americana self-pollinates, other say they cross pollinate, and others say they self-pollinate but will produce even more with a friend. Which is it? Thank you, NI

  Answer

  Dear nillsley, good morning. I too have seen contradictory information on the self-compatibility of Prunus americana. I cannot resolve this question for you, unfortunately. I do notice low fruit set when there is a single large clone of this species, suggesting it is primarily self-incompatible. I think have different genotypes around for pollination is a good practice. Best wishes.