Eastern Native Forest Guild — FarmPal
A guild built around native North American fruit trees, supporting local ecology while producing food.
Central Tree
Pawpaw or Persimmon
Spacing
30-40 feet
Establishment
5-8 years
Guild Layers
Canopy
Persimmon (American)
Understory
Pawpaw (needs multiple for pollination)
Shrub
Serviceberry, Elderberry, Spicebush, Hazelnut
Herbaceous
Ramps (wild leeks), Ostrich fern (fiddleheads), Bee balm
Groundcover
Wild ginger, Violets, Strawberry
Root
Groundnut (Apios americana)
Benefits
- •Native plant ecosystem restoration
- •Unique fruit flavors not found in stores
- •Wildlife habitat and food source
- •Adapted to local conditions
- •Low input requirements