Experience the delectable taste of a ripe pawpaw or persimmon and you’ll be craving more. Michael Judd, an edible landscape designer and permaculturist, believes he can convince you to make space for several of these trees in your front yard or even transform your entire lawn. Instead of turning your yard into a meadow or using alternative ground covers, Judd suggests creating a homegrown food forest with easy-care, native fruiting trees and shrubs, as well as pollinator-attracting plant companions. Even if you’re not ready for a full food forest, a narrow strip along the fence line or a sunny spot for a few trees can make a difference.
The concept behind a food forest or an underplanted tree is to mimic the layers found in a forest ecosystem. The tree canopy, shrubs and vines in the middle layer, and the herbaceous plants on the ground all work together to create a sustainable environment. Choosing companion plants that appeal to pollinators or fix nitrogen in the soil can further enhance the productivity of your fruit trees. Judd encourages including plants that you will personally find useful and enjoyable to harvest.
One particular fruit tree that Judd recommends is the pawpaw, which has a fascinating history and a range of flavors. Pawpaw trees have beautiful purple-red flowers that bloom before the leaves appear, attracting beetles and flies for pollination. The tree’s generous foliage and potential fall color add to its aesthetic appeal. In addition, pawpaw leaves are the sole host for the zebra swallowtail butterfly in its larval stage. The fruit itself is the star of the show, with flavor profiles that include vanilla, caramel, cotton candy, and mango. Although the fruit can weigh up to two pounds, cultivated varieties typically average around half a pound.
Beyond its delicious attributes, the pawpaw tree is incredibly easy to care for and adapts well to various climates. Wild pawpaws grow along woodland edges and stream banks, thriving in part shade. However, providing full sun and ensuring cross-pollination with a nearby tree will maximize fruit yield. The Fruit Patch App, created by Judd, assists in selecting the right pawpaw cultivar and other components for a successful guild.
The American persimmon is another tree that can serve as a centerpiece in your food forest. It has a similar range to the pawpaw and can grow up to 20-25 feet tall. Many persimmon varieties are self-fruitful, making it possible to have a harvest with just one tree. Persimmons are known for their adaptability and can tolerate a range of moisture conditions, even surprisingly wet soil.
Native elderberry is another recommended plant for edible landscaping. The small fruits are not only excellent for culinary uses but are also favored by birds. Planting two cultivars ensures optimal fruit production. Other centerpiece options include mulberries, serviceberries, and juneberries, all of which offer unique flavors and ornamental qualities.
While Judd advises taking a “one-patch-at-a-time” approach to creating a food forest, he hopes that as your plants grow, you’ll be inspired to expand and connect your guilds. Mulching the guilds properly will support soil health and overall success. Incorporating native black chokeberries, specifically the Viking cultivar, can add diversity and produce large, flavorful fruit for jams and juices.
Embrace the idea of a homegrown paradise in your yard by incorporating fruit trees and companion plants. By creating a food forest or underplanted tree guilds, you can enjoy the bounty of nature while supporting a sustainable environment.
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