2025 Tree Sale Fundraiser
Pickup Date: Saturday, April 26th from 10am-Noon (est)
at Centennial Hall, Ewen, MI
UPDATE: 3/28: Sold out of Aronia (Chokeberry), Washington Hawthorn, Black Walnut
UPDATE: 3/27: Sold out of Black Ice Plum
UPDATE: 3/26: Sold out of Peaches
UPDATE: 3/25 Sold out of Mulberry, Mountain Ash
UPDATE: 3/27: Sold out of Black Ice Plum
UPDATE: 3/26: Sold out of Peaches
UPDATE: 3/25 Sold out of Mulberry, Mountain Ash
2025 Deadline to Order: March 27, 2025
Form with 2025 offerings:
| tree_sale_ontonagon_2025_portrait_2page.pdf |
NOTE: Please print form using PORTRAIT orientation. Form is double-sided.
Don't have a printer? No problem! Request a paper copy in the mail here.
The Ontonagon Conservation District Board of Directors would like to thank the residents and landowners of Ontonagon County for your continued support of our natural resources. The annual tree and plant sale is our largest fund raising event of the year. All proceeds continue the Conservation District's programs.
Thank you to the many dedicated tree sale volunteers who assist us. Our tree sale fundraiser would not be successful without you! Our words cannot express our gratitude for the dedication of your time and talents to the Conservation District. If you are interested in becoming a tree sale volunteer, please email us at [email protected] or visit our website to find our volunteer application.
Thank you to the many dedicated tree sale volunteers who assist us. Our tree sale fundraiser would not be successful without you! Our words cannot express our gratitude for the dedication of your time and talents to the Conservation District. If you are interested in becoming a tree sale volunteer, please email us at [email protected] or visit our website to find our volunteer application.
Tips for establishing
Tree and Shrub Seedlings
- Consider what Hardiness Zone you are in.
- Know your site and soil and select the appropriate species.
- Prepare your site by reducing the amount of vegetative competition.
- Consider the need for protection from wildlife and weather.
- Plant seedlings as soon as possible after received. If planting is delayed, keep seedlings out of direct sunlight and in a cool place.
- Consider proper planting techniques and spacing. Tree and shrub spacing and densities depend on the purpose of the planting. If in doubt, talk to your district forester about the specifics of your planting project.
- The Forestry Assistance Program (FAP) forester helps citizens better understand, plan, manage, protect, and utilize forest resources at no cost.
| tree_spacing_and_planting_guidelines.pdf |
2025 Offerings:
Fruit Trees
Premium Fruit Trees - 6-10 Foot Tall - Branched Trees
Apple
Semi-dwarf (SD-M7) apple trees are favored for their abundant fruit crops without taking up much space. Semi-dwarf trees will grow to be 60-70% of full size or 12-15 feet tall and wide, so we recommend spacing them 12-15 feet apart. Standard (S) is the largest tree size, at maturity up to 18 to 25 feet tall/wide.
Semi-dwarf (SD-M7) apple trees are favored for their abundant fruit crops without taking up much space. Semi-dwarf trees will grow to be 60-70% of full size or 12-15 feet tall and wide, so we recommend spacing them 12-15 feet apart. Standard (S) is the largest tree size, at maturity up to 18 to 25 feet tall/wide.
Frostbite (SD-M7)- Minnesota apple bred in 1936. Extremely cold hardy, it makes an excellent variety for northern regions. Unique small red apple with crisp, firm texture and a juicy intense taste. Good for cider or cooking. Grandparent to Honeycrisp, parent to Sweet 16 and Keepsake. Zone 3-7.
Goodland (S)- Manitoba, Canada, 1955. Medium sized creamy green fruit with a red blush. Aromatic flesh is crisp and juicy. Semi-sweet. Very hardy and one of the best apples for colder regions, does not tolerate periods of high temperatures. Good for baking. Stores up to 20 weeks. Zone 2/3-6.
Honeycrisp (SD-M7)- Early-mid bloomer, standard, great pollinator. Crisp, crunchy exterior with juicy flesh that is a perfect balance between sweet and tart. Round yellow fruit with a red blush are excellent fresh. Ripens late mid-season with a prolonged harvest- it is known for its long hang time on the tree, the apples don't immediately drop upon ripening. 14-18' tall, medium sized tree that bears fruit at a young age (can overbear, so thinning of fruit on young trees is recommended.) Will store well in a cool, dark, dry location for 3-6 months. Disease resistant. Developed in Minnesota, extremely cold-hardy, thriving in temperatures as low as -30 degrees. Recent DNA testing indicates that the parentage includes Keepsake, Golden Delicious, and heirloom Duchess of Oldenberg varieties. Self-Fruitful in many climates, but yields can be improved by planting a pollinator: Choose another early or mid-blooming apple variety. Calcium improves fruit quality and is especially helpful in growing Honeycrisp. Zone 3-7.
Liberty (SD-M7)- New York, 1964. Productive variety. Crisp and juicy with a sprightly flavor. Resistant to apple scab and cedar-apple rust. Does not require fungicide sprays, making it a good choice for organic growers. Keeps well into February. Zone 4-7.
McIntosh (S)- Ontario, Canada, 1870. A well-known older red apple variety with sprightly flavor and medium storage life. Heavy bearer, the fruit tends to drop when ripe. Good for eating and baking. Zone 4-7.
Wolf River (S)- Mid-late bloomer, standard size, Antique 1875 WI. Heirloom variety, originated on the farm of W.A. Springer in Wolf River, WI in 1875. Very large apples- often >1 pound each! Pale yellow skin with a pale dull red. Soft, tender, creamy white flesh. Mostly used for baking and pies, but can be a good applesauce and dessert apple. Holds its shape and requires very little additional sugar. Mid-season harvest. 12-16' strong tree, disease resistant to apple scab, powdery mildew, fire blight, and cedar apple rust. Requires different variety with same bloom period, like Honeycrisp or McIntosh. Zone 3/4-7.
Yellow Transparent (S)- Early ripening. Crisp pale yellow apples with sweet mild white flesh. Antique variety originating in the 1800's in Russia. One of the earliest apples. Productive. Partially self-fertile. Cold hardy. Disease resistant to scab. Good for applesauce, cooking, freezing, drying, juice, and wine. Zone 3-8.
Zestar (SD-M7)- Early season red (sunny sides) and creamy yellow (shaded sides) apple. Crisp juicy flesh with delicious sweet-tart zesty flavor. Developed by the University of Minnesota it was introduced in 1999 from a hybridization of State Fair x MN 1691. Good for fresh eating or cooking. Long storage life. Very cold hardy. Zone 3-7.
Crab-apple
Centennial (S)- University of Minnesota, 1957 (Dolgo x Wealthy). Blooms mid-May, good apple pollinator. Large red-orange crab-apples (1.75-2 inches.) Excellent flavor for fresh eating. Short storage life. Hardy. Zone 3-7.
Centennial (S)- University of Minnesota, 1957 (Dolgo x Wealthy). Blooms mid-May, good apple pollinator. Large red-orange crab-apples (1.75-2 inches.) Excellent flavor for fresh eating. Short storage life. Hardy. Zone 3-7.
Cherry
Evans Bali (S)- Tart/sour bright red cherry with sweet notes in the yellow flesh. Exceptionally high yields. Self-pollinating. Originated in Canada near Edmonton Alberta and thrives in cold climates. Extremely hardy buds. Tree height 15-20 feet. Does not tolerate standing water. Wildlife value: bird attractant. Good for baking, pie, jam/jelly, and fresh eating when ripe. Zone 3/4-9.
Evans Bali (S)- Tart/sour bright red cherry with sweet notes in the yellow flesh. Exceptionally high yields. Self-pollinating. Originated in Canada near Edmonton Alberta and thrives in cold climates. Extremely hardy buds. Tree height 15-20 feet. Does not tolerate standing water. Wildlife value: bird attractant. Good for baking, pie, jam/jelly, and fresh eating when ripe. Zone 3/4-9.
Pear
Tips for growing pears: https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-pears
Note: If you want consistent fruit it is best to plant two pear varieties with compatible pollen or be certain there is a pear tree in the neighborhood.
Tips for growing pears: https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-pears
Note: If you want consistent fruit it is best to plant two pear varieties with compatible pollen or be certain there is a pear tree in the neighborhood.
Golden Spice (S)- Very hardy. Medium yellow, lightly blushed 1.75" fruit. Ripen mid-season. Good for canning and spicing, fair for eating. 15-20' tall with a 8-12' spread. Use Ure as a pollinator. Zone 3-7.
Ure (S)- Green-yellow, very juicy 2" fruit. Sturdy branches. Good for eating and canning. Developed in 1978 at Morden Research Station. 15-20' tall with a 12-16' spread. Use Golden Spice as pollinator. Zone 3-7.
Plum
Sold out. Black Ice (S)- Early ripening. Dark purple-black large fruit with juicy, sweet, exceptionally flavored red colored flesh. Produces one of the largest hybrid plums. Japanese-type plum (for large size) crossed with a cherry plum tree (for flavor), it was developed in Wisconsin for upper Midwestern hardiness. Cold hardy to -30F. Dessert plum. Excellent for fresh-eating and pies/tarts. Zone 3/4-8.
Pipestone (S)- Mid-season ripening. Large firm red fruit with sweet, juicy golden flesh. Compact, 12' tree. Released by the University of Minnesota in 1942. Very hardy to -40F, one of the best plums for northern growers. Can live over 40 years. Good for fresh eating, cooking, or jam/jelly. Zone 3-7.
Sold out. Peach ** Note: May only be suited warmer micro-climates in the UP. **
Reliance (S)- Hardiest yellow-fleshed freestone peach available. Medium sized, flavor is fair. Suitable for fresh markets in cold regions. Zone 4/5-8.
Sold out. Mulberry
Trader Red (S)- 4' Tall- Yard tree, grows 35-50' with a spread of 30-40'. Distinctive rounded crown and short trunk. Vibrant yellow in the fall. Adaptable to a variety of soil types- rich, moist in forests, stream, floodplains, well-drained, clay, loam, sandy soils. Produces small, edible blackberry-like fruit that is dark purple/black when ripe. Fruit good for jam, jelly, desserts. Good wildlife/bird tree. Durable wood, resistant to decay, good for woodworking. Zone 3-7.
Fruit Plants & Shrubs
Blueberry
Bluecrop- Mid-season. Large, firm, sweet berry. Good for U-pick or mechanical harvest. Highbush, 6' area. Zone 4-7.
Duke- Early, large firm berries. Vigorous, upright plants. Highbush, 4' area. Zone 4-7.
Northland- Early to mid-season, firm medium-large sized fruit. Known for sweet taste. Good for jelly, jam, and sauces. High sugar content. Very cold hardy. Cross of highbush/lowbush low stature 3-4' tall and 5' wide growth habit. Plants have a low spreading habit. Zone 3-7.
Patriot- Early season. Large, firm fruit. Grows upright- good ornamental bush. Beautiful orange in fall. 3' area. Zone 3-7.
Duke- Early, large firm berries. Vigorous, upright plants. Highbush, 4' area. Zone 4-7.
Northland- Early to mid-season, firm medium-large sized fruit. Known for sweet taste. Good for jelly, jam, and sauces. High sugar content. Very cold hardy. Cross of highbush/lowbush low stature 3-4' tall and 5' wide growth habit. Plants have a low spreading habit. Zone 3-7.
Patriot- Early season. Large, firm fruit. Grows upright- good ornamental bush. Beautiful orange in fall. 3' area. Zone 3-7.
Elderberry
York- Large, sweet black fruit. Use for teas, syrups, and jellies. Pollinator needed (can be wild.) Zone 3-8.
York- Large, sweet black fruit. Use for teas, syrups, and jellies. Pollinator needed (can be wild.) Zone 3-8.
Grape
Concord- Sweet blue fruit. Makes the best jellies, juice, and sweet wine. Zone 4-8.
King of the North- Early to mid-season. Labrusca type grape that is winter hardy to -40F. Vigorous, productive vines are resistant to common grape diseases and insects. Medium to large sized blue-black fruit ripens early on tight clusters. Juicy fruit has high acidity and tartness (can be quite tart until dead ripe.) Excellent seeded table grape for cold climates and outstanding for juice and jellies. Although highly acidic, can produce a somewhat fruity, rich, aromatic, Concord-style red wine. Grows 10-20' tall with a 2-10' spread, which makes it a good candidate for planted vine arbors, trellises, or natural fences. If planting for production, plant at least 8' apart. Zone 3-7.
Raspberry
Caroline Red- Ever-bearing. Large, sweet berries. Very productive plants. Zone 3-8.
Heritage- Ever-bearing. All-time favorite. Excellent fruit, good flavor, sweet taste, and high yielding. Zone 4-8.
Blackberry
Darrow- Very thorny plants. Large, sweet berries. Vigorous, hardy plants. Rust resistant. Zone 3/4-8.
Strawberry (Root)
Honeoye- June. Early bearing. Very large, sweet berries with good flavor. Zone 3-7.
Ozark Beauty- Ever-bearing. Sweet berries ideal for desserts and jam. High yielding plants. Produces fruit throughout the growing season. Zone 4-8.
Sparkle- June. Mid-season. Medium sized berries with excellent flavor. Zone 3-8.
For the Garden
Asparagus (Roots)
Mary Washington- Heirloom. This variety has been the most popular asparagus in American gardens for the last century. Great taste and long green spears. Can be productive for 20+ years. Zone 3/4-9.
Millennium- Hybrid. Produces tender, flavorful spears. Wide range of soil types, including heavier soils. Cold-hardy. Rust resistant. Zone 3-8.
Viking KB3- Heirloom variety. It is hardy with extra heavy yields. Vigorous grower. Rust resistant. An open-pollinated selection developed in Ontario, Canada. Cold hardy, considered best cold-climate variety. Zone 3/4-8.
Horseradish (Root)
Rusticana- Variegated horseradish. Large, white, fleshy roots have a hot, bitter taste. The taste comes from mustard oils released when the plant cells are cut or grated. Spice can degrade and become bitter if not used immediately or mixed with vinegar. Leaves edible and peppery (similar to arugula/mustard greens), best harvested young, can be eaten raw or cooked. Easy to grow, perennial. Culinary favorite since antiquity. Accompaniment to roast beef or flavor pickles, sauces, coleslaw, or wasabi.
Rusticana- Variegated horseradish. Large, white, fleshy roots have a hot, bitter taste. The taste comes from mustard oils released when the plant cells are cut or grated. Spice can degrade and become bitter if not used immediately or mixed with vinegar. Leaves edible and peppery (similar to arugula/mustard greens), best harvested young, can be eaten raw or cooked. Easy to grow, perennial. Culinary favorite since antiquity. Accompaniment to roast beef or flavor pickles, sauces, coleslaw, or wasabi.
Seed Potatoes
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Norland- Red early-mid season potato (70-90 days). Smooth, red thin skin with white flesh. Round to oblong shape. Good for boiling, roasting, and potato salads due to firm texture. Best enjoyed fresh for optimal flavor and texture. Moderate storage. Widely adapted with some disease resistance.
Superior- White-skinned, known for smooth texture and round to oblong shape. Ceamy texture and mild flavor, often used for baking, boiling, and making potato chips due to versatile cooking properties. Holds shape well when cooked, often used in salads and soups. High yield. Resistant to scab and late blight. Good storage. Yukon Gold- Canada, 1960's-70's. Medium sized, early potato with rich buttery flavor. Versatile, good for mashing, roasting, boiling, and baking. Ability to hold their shape well when cooked makes them ideal for potato salads and gratins. Sprout resistant. Keeps well. Like other potatoes, good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and fiber (especially when skin is left on.) Kennebec- Maine, 1948. Smooth, light tan, thin skin. White flesh. Typically large and oval shaped. Highly regarded for versatility in kitchen. Medium starch content- suitable for baking, boiling, frying, and mashing. Particularly favored for making French fries and potato chips due to their ability to hold shape and crisp well. Adaptable to different growing conditions, well drained, fertile soil. Resistant to potato diseases. |
Rhubarb (Root Ball)
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Canada Red- Hybrid. Tender, sweet stalks. Likes moist, well drained soil. Winter hardy. Zone 3-8.
Crimson Red- Hybrid. Sweet yet tart stalks. Very disease resistant. Winter hardy. Zone 3-8. |
Beach Plum- Small, round, tart, purple-red fruit. Low, bushy shrubs, 3-6' tall. Thrive in sandy, well-drained soils. Well adapted to coastal areas/dunes, including salt spray and poor soil fertility. Valued for fruit and ornamental qualities. Fruit used for jam, jelly, and wine. Shrubs used in landscaping for erosion control, hedges, and as a native plant in coastal gardens.
Lilac
Grandma's Hedge- Very fragrant flowers. Long-lived plants require very little care. Extremely hardy. Zone 3-7
Grandma's Hedge- Very fragrant flowers. Long-lived plants require very little care. Extremely hardy. Zone 3-7
Peony
Magenta Red- Fragrant, rich fiery red with green foliage. Tall and vigorous. Eye-catching.
Magenta Red- Fragrant, rich fiery red with green foliage. Tall and vigorous. Eye-catching.
Garden Rose
William Baffin- Deep strawberry pink with yellow eyes. Extra hardy climber with large clusters of flowers. Blooms from June until hard frost. Resistant to pests and disease. Small red-orange rose hips. Zone 3-7.
William Baffin- Deep strawberry pink with yellow eyes. Extra hardy climber with large clusters of flowers. Blooms from June until hard frost. Resistant to pests and disease. Small red-orange rose hips. Zone 3-7.
Coniferous
Conifers are planted for a variety of reasons, including windbreaks and shelter-belts, wildlife corridors, plantations, and screens. Conifer seedlings, or "plugs", are smaller and less expensive than transplants, which makes them a good choice for large plantings. Transplants, or "bare-roots", are a bit taller and much sturdier, but a little more difficult to plant. They are an excellent choice for screens and windbreaks. On a tree order form, you may see something like this: White Spruce (2-2). This means that the tree is four years old, having spent two years in a seedling bed and two years in a transplant bed. Alternately, you may see plug sized seedlings on an order sheet which are 3-6 inches tall.
(clockwise from top left: Balsam Fir, Hemlock, Red Pine, White Pine)
Click "Native" below for additional details about each individual species.
Click "Native" below for additional details about each individual species.
Plugs
Balsam Fir (Native)- Wonderful for holidays, trees, and wildlife.
Red Pine (Native)- Prune themselves, sandy soil, telephone trees.
White Pine (Native)- Grows almost anywhere, wildlife friendly.
Black Spruce (Native)- Moist, acidic, wet soils.
White Spruce (Native)- Moist yet drained soils. Will grow in sand and clay.
White Cedar (Native)- Loves wetlands and moist areas.
Hemlock (Native)- Prefers moist but well-drained soils.
Red Pine (Native)- Prune themselves, sandy soil, telephone trees.
White Pine (Native)- Grows almost anywhere, wildlife friendly.
Black Spruce (Native)- Moist, acidic, wet soils.
White Spruce (Native)- Moist yet drained soils. Will grow in sand and clay.
White Cedar (Native)- Loves wetlands and moist areas.
Hemlock (Native)- Prefers moist but well-drained soils.
Tamarack (Native)- Deciduous conifer, needles turn golden in autumn. Able to survive temperatures down to at least −85 °F. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions but grow most commonly in low-lying areas and bogs, in wet to moist organic soils such as sphagnum, peat, and woody peat. Adapted to reproduce successfully on burned areas, common pioneer plant after fires. Intolerant of shade, it must be the over-story when mixed with other species. Wildlife use the tree for food and nesting.
Wildlife Bushes
&
Bareroot Trees
Bareroot Trees and Shrubs
Click "Native" below for additional details about each individual species.
Click "Native" below for additional details about each individual species.
Sold out. Mountain Ash (Native)- Grows to 10-30'. Most animals. Edible. Pretty and easy to grow in most soils.
Slippery Elm (Native)- Grows up to 20'. Medium size deciduous tree. Medicinal.
Aronia (Red Chokeberry) (Native)- Grows to 5-8'. Wildlife and birds. Edible for jam and jelly. Likes shade and wet areas.
Wild Wetland Rose (Native)- Pink/purple flowers. Native bee friendly. Prefers wet, rich soils.
Black Elderberry (Native)- Grows to 5-10'. Wildlife. Medicinal plant. Edible for jelly and wine. Likes forest edges and moist areas.
American Plum (Native)- Grows 10-30'. Animals. Hardy. Erosion control. Likes most soils. Edible, very tart/astringent, best for jelly/jam.
Beaked Hazelnut (Native)- Grows 15-25' Most animals, especially grouse. Likes loam-sand soil.
American Hazelnut (Native)- Grows to 6-15'. Attracts birds and squirrels. Good for windbreaks. Moist to dry, but grows best in well drained soils. Bears abundant crops of small, edible sweet tasting nuts. Plant multiple to ensure pollination. Good for windbreaks. Zone 4-9.
Highbush Cranberry (Native)- Grows to 8-15'. Drooping clusters of bright red berries that sweeten over winter. Attracts cedar waxwing and other birds. Very tart berries are excellent in jams and jellies. Prefers consistent moisture, but tolerates wide range of soils in full sun to part shade. Large, hardy shrub up to 8-12' tall and 10' wide. Not self-fertile, cross pollination from 2-3 shrubs is needed for fruiting.
Red Osier Dogwood (Native)- Grows 3-15'. Birds and pollinators. Eye-catching. Likes moist soils.
Basswood (Native)- Grows to 60-100'. Birds, bees, butterflies. Variety of moist/ mesic soil types.
Downy Serviceberry (Native)- aka Juneberry. Purple-black fruit with with sweet, nutty flavor, rich in iron and copper. Beautiful white blooms in spring. Can live 20-85 years. Plants 10-20' tall. Valuable wildlife plant. Flowers are spring nectar source for pollinators. Fruit attracts songbirds, particularly cedar waxwings and other fruit-eating species! Hummingbirds love to nest in the upright growth. Deer will utilize plants as browse, as it is in the rose family just like apples. Good for woodland gardens, openings, and yard edges. Useful in erosion control and windbreak. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Good for cooking, pastries, jelly, syrup, and fresh eating. Zone 3-7
Witch-hazel (Native)- Grows to 10-20'. Medicinal use. Likes shade, moisture, and water.
Sold out. Red Mulberry- Wildlife shrub. Grows to 30-50'. All animals, birds, bees. Edible for fruit/jam. Good for poor soils.
Winterberry Holly (Native)- Grows to 3-10'. Good for honey bees. Attracts birds, butterflies, pollinators. Bright red berries persist through winter. Good for bio-remediation. Likes wet, acidic soils.
Black Willow (Native)- Grows to 10-60'. Fast growing. Loves water. Good for stream banks and erosion control.
Paper Birch (Native)- Grows to 30-60'. Moose and birds. Boreal forest. Pulp wood. Likes deep, well drained soils.
Yellow Birch (Native)- Grows to 60-80'. Deer, grouse, songbirds. Good with hemlock, not with sugar maple.
River Birch (Native)- Grows to 40-90'. Birds, deer, hummingbirds. Wetlands, riverbanks, moist soil.
Red Maple (Native)- Grows to 60-90'. Most animals. Likes well drained soil.
Sugar Maple (Native)- Grows to 90-120'. Most animals. Maple syrup. Likes sandy-loam soil types.
Silver Maple (Native)- Grows to 35-55'. Wildlife. Grows quickly, week wood. Erosion control. Likes water.
White Oak (Native)- Grows to 80-100'. Acorns, wildlife. Slow growing and very long lived. Many soils.
Bur Oak (Native)- Grows to 70-80'. Large acorns. Wildlife/deer. Lives 200-400 years. Drought and soil tolerant. Note: saplings should be protected from deer.
Red Oak (Native)- Grows to 70-90', sometimes up to 140'. Straight and tall. Timber. Slow growing, very long-lived. Many soil types.
Swamp White Oak (Native)- Grows to 50-60'. Acorns, wildlife. Likes sun. Acidic moist, well-drained soils.
Black Walnut (Native)- Grows to 50-70'. Animals. Does not play well with others (allelopathic). Likes moist soils.
Tree Protectors,
Planting Items, & More
Protect your trees and seedlings from wildlife damage.
Not offered in 2025.
Grow Tube Tree Protectors- Plantra brand 5' Sunflex grow tubes with vented tubes.
Garden Stakes- all steel 6' plant stakes to be used with grow tubes or in the garden.
Not offered in 2025.
Grow Tube Tree Protectors- Plantra brand 5' Sunflex grow tubes with vented tubes.
Garden Stakes- all steel 6' plant stakes to be used with grow tubes or in the garden.