One Community
Food Forest Groundcover Plantings
This page is our team’s research into food forest groundcover plantings. It includes food forest groundcover plant pictures, descriptions, cultural considerations, planting guidelines, and links to additional information. For food forest creation information visit the Food Forest Open Source Hub. The Food Forest Open Source Hub is also where you can find the results of our research into complete purchasing details for all plants listed on this page. These food forest groundcover plantings could work elsewhere but were chosen primarily for USDA zone 7a-7b.
This page is divided into the following sections:
- Specific Plants for Each Food Forest Section
- Other Related Pages
- Ways to Contribute to Evolving This
- Food Forest Component Elements Overview and Planting Guidelines
- Food Forest Groundcover Planting Specifics
- Plant Providers Resource List (where to buy)
- Summary
- FAQ
CLICK IMAGES FOR PAGES WITH COMPLETE PLANT LISTS FOR THE OTHER SECTIONS
CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE PLANT PURCHASING RESEARCH
OTHER RELATED PAGES (click individual icons for complete pages)
WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE TO EVOLVING THIS SUSTAINABILITY COMPONENT WITH US
SUGGESTIONS | CONSULTING | MEMBERSHIP | OTHER OPTIONS
FOOD FOREST ELEMENTS OVERVIEW
Our complete food forest includes a symbiotic cultivation of the following 8 key areas:
Canopy, Understory, Vines, Shrubs, Herbs, Groundcover, Root Crops, and Edge Plantings.
CLICK IMAGE TO VISIT THE FOOD FOREST OPEN SOURCE HUB WITH MORE INFO
Listed below are descriptions of each of the food forest groundcover plants we will be growing. Where genera are listed, it indicates that more than one species of that genus would be useful. Individual species listings indicate that the species in question has attributes of interest that are unique to the species. Those listing with a (†) indicate that these entries may be marginally adaptable onsite, and should therefore be considered experimental.
A NOTE ON PLACEMENT SPECIFICS
Placing individual species in their appropriate locations will need wait until we are on the property. We are saving this decision process until we are onsite because of the complex matrix of plant needs that must take in the specifics of the different areas of the property for maximum benefit. This includes sun and shade requirements, cold hardiness, soil and drainage preferences, ultimate size of the plant, allelopathic considerations, winter shadows, proximity to buildings or other structures, etc. These things combine to make placement a nearly case-by-case decision. In an effort to maximize the stability, beauty, productivity and self replication of the ecosystem we hope to create, we will employ (and open source share) as many of these and other design criteria as possible in the development and placement of all plantings at One Community.
CLICK THIS IMAGE TO LEARN ALL ABOUT FOOD FORESTS ON THE MAIN HUB PAGE
GROUNDCOVER
Groundcovers are species that have a horizontal growth and branching pattern. They form a “living mulch” over the soil surface. They can be shade or sun tolerant, and either understory or edge species. Because they are the soil’s first line of defense against the drying effects of sun and wind, establishing a groundcover is the first step in the reforestation or afforestation of a site. Here is the current list of planned canopy species for the One Community food forest:
Apios americana (Potato bean)
Apios americana is a species of perennial vine in the Fabaceae, native to eastern North America. The plant bears edible beans and edible tubers, high in starch and with more protein than potatoes. They were an important food resource for many Native American tribes. There is currently work underway by Prof. Blackmon at LSU to develop the species for commercial cultivation.
PLACEMENTS
We will grow Apios americana in any suitable location.*
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
- High humus and regular moisture are indicated
- The plants grow in moist shady areas at forest margins and along streams
PLANTING GUIDELINES
Plants should be thoroughly mulched after planting and watered in well. Regular irrigation should continue until signs of new growth appear.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Apios priceana (Price’s potato bean) endangered sp.
Apios priceana is a species of perennial vine in the Fabaceae, native to eastern North America. The plant bears edible beans and edible tubers, high in starch and with more protein than potatoes. The plant is only known from 25 populations in Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Tennessee. It is federally listed as threatened. The beans and tubers were eaten like Apios americana.
PLACEMENTS
We will grow Apios priceana in any suitable location.*
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
- High humus and regular moisture are indicated
- The plants grow in moist shady areas at forest margins and along streams
PLANTING GUIDELINES
Plants should be thoroughly mulched after planting and watered in well. Regular irrigation should continue until signs of new growth appear.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Anredera spp. (New Zealand spinach)
Anredera is a genus of 10 or 11 species in the Basellaceae, native to the Neotropics in seasonally dry scrubland. They are evergreen vines that grow from underground tubers; they also produce aerial tubers along the stems, which drop off to form new plants. The leaves and tubers are edible, and Anredera cordifolia, called “New Zealand spinach” is cultivated as a heat- tolerant replacement for spinach.
PLACEMENTS
We will grow Anredera in any suitable location.*
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
- If killed by frost, they will return from the tubers
- They plants are of easy care in warm moist climates, often becoming weedy
PLANTING GUIDELINES
Tubers or small plants can be set out at the beginning of the growing season. They should be mulched and watered in well. Regular irrigation will speed growth during the summer months.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Antigonon leptopus (Corallita, Mexican creeper)
Antigonon leptopus is a species of vining plant in the Polygonaceae native to Baja California and other parts of Mexico. It is a vine to 30-40 feet, arising from large tubers. These are edible when roasted and said to taste like chestnuts. The seeds were an important food for the indigenous people of Baja, who toasted them in baskets with hot coals and ate them like popcorn, or ground them into meal.
PLACEMENTS
We will grow Antigonon in any suitable location.*
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
- The plant withstands very dry conditions
- Vines are vigorous and can smother other plants
- If the above-ground vines are killed, the plant can re-sprout from the tubers
PLANTING GUIDELINES
Plants can be planted out during the warm season and watered in well. They benefit from supplemental water during the summer, but it is not necessary.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Wikipedia – Antigonon_leptopus
Arctostaphylos spp. (Manzanita, Bear’s grape, Kinnikinik)
Arctostaphylos is a genus of approximately 60 species of woody perennials in the Ericaceae, native mainly to western North America. They range from creeping mat-forming species, to shrubs to small trees to 20 feet in height. The small berries are edible although somewhat dry. They were an important food source for many California tribes. The leaves are used medicinally to treat urinary infections.
PLACEMENTS
We will grow Arctostaphylos in any suitable location.*
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
- Mulch is beneficial
- They resent fertilizers
- Manzanitas form mycorrhizal associations
- They dislike summer water, often succumbing to fungal diseases
- Should be planted before the winter rains so they have time to establish themselves
PLANTING GUIDELINES
Plants should be thoroughly mulched after planting. Water in the first season after planting only if plants show signs of drying out.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Aster sp. (Aster, Goldilocks)
Aster is a genus of 180 species in the Asteraceae, native to Eurasia. They are herbaceous, daisy-like perennials ranging from 8 inches to 8 feet in height. The showy, starry-shaped flowers may be red, pink, purple, or white, and are a good pollen source for bees. Some species are used for their medicinal properties. Many species and a variety of hybrids are popular as garden plants because of their attractive flowers.
PLACEMENTS
We will grow Aster in any suitable location.*
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
- Plants can also be propagated from division
- Seed germination is uneven, so it is best to start seeds indoors early
- They grow in full sun to partial shade, and in a wide range of soils and pH
PLANTING GUIDELINES
Plants should be thoroughly mulched after planting and watered in well. Regular irrigation should continue until signs of new growth appear.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Bacopa (Water Hyssop, Moneywort)
Bacopa is a genus of approximately 100 species of amphibious or aquatic plants in the Plantaginaceae, mainly native to subtropical to tropical areas of the Americas. They are herbaceous annuals or perennials. The aquatic species are popular aquarium plants. One species, B. monnieri, is used in Ayurvedic medicine. In vivo tests have shown regular administration enhances memory.
PLACEMENTS
We will grow Bacopa in any suitable location.*
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
- The plants need full sun
- Bacopa require constant moisture if not in standing water
PLANTING GUIDELINES
Bacopa can be placed in wet soil after the last frost. Soil should be kept constantly moist. The plant will not withstand frost, and should be treated as an annual at the One Community site.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Ceanothus spp. (California lilac, New Jersey tea)
Ceanothus is a genus of approximately 60 species of shrubby perennials in the Rhamnaceae, native to North America, especially California. They are evergreen to deciduous, with dense clusters of white, blue, or purple flowers, often fragrant. The leaves are important wildlife browse and have been used medicinally. The branches were used in basketry by the Miwok people of California.
PLACEMENTS
We will grow Ceanothus in any suitable location.*
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
- Seeds require scarification
- Plants are very drought tolerant
- May require smoke treatment to germinate
- Seeds are recalcitrant, and require stratification
PLANTING GUIDELINES
Plants should be thoroughly mulched after planting and watered in well. Avoid overwatering as plants are subject to root rot if kept too moist.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Claytonia (Miner’s lettuce)
Claytonia is a genus of 26 species of herbaceous annual and perennial plants in the Montiaceae, mainly native to North America. One species, Claytonia perfoliata, became known as “miner’s lettuce” because it was an important source of green to California gold miners. The leaves are high in Vitamin C, and can help to prevent scurvy, but the older plants can also accumulate oxalates and become astringent.
PLACEMENTS
We will grow Claytonia in any suitable location.*
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
- The plants grow best in cool spring weather
- The best wild stands are found in moist shady sites
- In cultivation they should be grown in a compost enriched soil in partial shade
PLANTING GUIDELINES
Plants can be set out in early spring as soon as the last frost is over. Mulch to conserve moisture, and do not allow the plants to dry out completely.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Cyanotis (“Zhen zhu lu shui cao”- TCM)
Cyanotis is a genus of approximately 60 species of annual or perennial plants in the Commelinaceae, native mainly to Africa, but also Australia and Asia. They are low sprawling herbaceous perennials. Several are used in herbal medicine, and studies have shown that the plants produce a number of sterols. These compounds maybe useful as insect repellants or anti-feeding compounds, similar to the neem tree.
PLACEMENTS
We will grow Cyanotis in any suitable location.*
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
- Cyanotis prefer a sunny location on dry sandy soil
- These plants benefit from water during the summer
- May require some winter protection at the One Community site
PLANTING GUIDELINES
Plants should be thoroughly mulched after planting and watered in well. Irrigate sparingly until signs of new growth appear.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Empetrum (Crowberry)
Empetrum is a genus of 4 species of mat forming ground covers now included in the Ericaceae. These dwarf evergreen shrubs are native to north temperate to subarctic regions, and also in the southern Andes of South America. The dark purple berries are an important food to people in these regions. The leaves and stems have a history of medicinal use.
PLACEMENTS
We will grow crowberry in any suitable location.*
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
- The plants are extremely cold hardy
- They prefer acid soils high in organic matter
PLANTING GUIDELINES
Plants should be thoroughly mulched after planting and watered in well. Regular irrigation should continue until signs of new growth appear.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Fockea (Bergbaroe, Kambro)
Fockea is a genus of 6 accepted species variously assigned to the Asclepiadaceae or the Apocynaceae, native to southern Africa. They are vining dioecious perennial plants arising from a large underground tuber. The tuber has been eaten by African peoples after special preparation to remove bitter compounds. During severe droughts the plant will die back, but resumes growth with rains.
PLACEMENTS
We will grow Fockea in any suitable location.*
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
- The plants require good drainage
- Plants can grow in sun or partial shade
- Plants should be kept dry during cold winter weather
- The tuber must always remain shaded underground exposed tubers quickly sunburn
- The plants are adapted to very dry conditions, storing moisture in their large tubers
PLANTING GUIDELINES
Small plants can be planted out during warm weather. They will grow faster with supplemental water during the heat of summer, but stop water at summers end.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Gaultheria spp. (Wintergreen)
Gaultheria is a genus of 180 species in the Ericaceae, native to Asia, the Americas and Australasia. They range from mat-forming perennials to upright shrubs to 10 feet. They are found in soils rich in peat or organic matter, and do best with steady moisture. The berries of some species are flavorful; others are insipid. The leaves are used to make wintergreen tea.
PLACEMENTS
We will grow wintergreen in any suitable location.*
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
- Gaultheria does best as understory or edge
- Plants prefer partial shade in hot summer climates
- Soils should be neutral to acid, and high in organic matter
PLANTING GUIDELINES
Plants should be thoroughly mulched after planting and watered in well. Regular irrigation should continue until signs of new growth appear.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Ophiopogon spp. (Mondo grass, “Mai dong”- TCM)
Ophiopogon is a genus of approximately 65 species of herbaceous perennials in the Asparagaceae, native to warm temperate to tropical eastern Asia. The tubers of some species are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is used as a sedative and anxiolytic, to help cleanse the lungs and stomach, and to treat mild infections. The plant contains saponins and polysaccharides.
PLACEMENTS
We will grow Ophiopogon in any suitable location.*
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
The plants are drought tolerant once established.
PLANTING GUIDELINES
Plants should be thoroughly mulched after planting and watered in well. Regular irrigation should continue until signs of new growth appear. Once established they are relatively care free.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (Goa bean, Winged bean)
Psophocarpus is a genus of 10 accepted species in the Fabaceae, native to Africa and Asia. They are vining herbaceous perennials often grown as annuals. The distinctive pods have four winged rachis lengthwise. All parts of the plant are edible and nutritious; being high in protein, vitamins, and oil. There is great variability in the plant, so varietal selection will be important to identify productive types.
PLACEMENTS
We will grow Goa bean in any suitable location.*
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
- Seeds germinate within a week
- Vines are vigorous and need support
- Some varieties do not produce tubers
- The vines fix nitrogen and improve soil
- Some varieties are day-length sensitive
- Unsupported vines can form a living mulch
- Plants are grown from seed or re-sprout from unharvested tubers
PLANTING GUIDELINES
Seeds can be sown where they will grow or germinated indoors and transplanted out after last frost. The plants should be mulched and watered in well. Maintain irrigation through dry spells.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Rubus spp. (Blackberry, Raspberry)
Rubus is a large genus of 450 accepted species in the rose family, Rosaceae, native to boreal, temperate to subtropical regions worldwide. They range from creeping ground covers to large upright shrubs composed of many canes which are usually armed with thorns or prickles. The “berry” is actually an aggregate fruit formed from many separate druplets.
PLACEMENTS
We will grow Rubus in any suitable location.*
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
- They respond well to mulch, and organic fertilizers
- If cultivated for fruit, older canes should be removed
- Rubus like partial shade to full sun and prefer moist soils
- The plants are subject to some pests and fungal diseases
PLANTING GUIDELINES
Plants should be thoroughly mulched after planting and watered in well. Regular irrigation should continue until signs of new growth appear.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Scutellaria spp. (Skullcap, “Huang qin”- TCM)
Scutellaria is a genus of approximately 350 species of herbaceous annual or perennial plants in the Lamiaceae, native to temperate to subtropical regions worldwide. Plants range from 2 inches to 3 feet in height, with square stems and opposite leaves. The flowers have an upper and lower lip, and a typical shield on the calyx that gives the genus its common name of “skullcap”. Many species are used medicinally.
PLACEMENTS
We will grow Scutellaria in any suitable location.*
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
- Plants grow in partial shade to full sun
- They grow in a wide range of soils and pH
PLANTING GUIDELINES
Plants should be thoroughly mulched after planting and watered in well. Regular irrigation should continue until signs of new growth appear.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Stachys affinis (Crosnes, Chinese artichoke)
Stachys affinis is a species of herbaceous perennial in the Lamiaceae, native to Asia. It is grown as a root vegetable in many parts of Asia, and was brought to Europe in the 19th century. It became popular with the French, who called it crosnes and served it steamed with a variety of sauces. In Japan the small white tubers are dyed with Perilla leaves to make chorogi. Tubers are also eaten raw.
PLACEMENTS
We will grow Crosnes in any suitable location.*
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
- Plants like a rich well drained soil in full sun to partial shade
- Tubers are best harvested after the foliage dies back with the first frost
PLANTING GUIDELINES
Plants should be thoroughly mulched after planting and watered in well. Regular irrigation should continue until signs of new growth appear.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Triglochin spp. (Arrowgrass)
Triglochin is a genus of 18 species of sedges in the Juncaginaceae; most are found in Australia, but they occur in North America and Europe also. They are found in damp grassland, bogs, and along estuaries and tidal marshlands. They are herbaceous perennials, arising from creeping rhizomes. The tubers and small fruits of some species are edible raw or cooked.
PLACEMENTS
We will grow Triglochin in any suitable location.*
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
- They require abundant moisture at all times
- Triglochin grow best along streams or ponds
- The plants can withstand considerable salinity
- The foliage sometimes contains cyanogenic compounds and may be toxic to livestock
PLANTING GUIDELINES
Plants or divisions can be set into moist soil, and left to establish. The plants are relatively care free.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, Cranberry, Lingonberry)
Vaccinium is a genus of approximately 450 species in the Ericaceae, native mainly to the cooler areas of the Northern hemisphere. This plant ranges in habit from creeping ground covers to upright shrubs to 6 feet. They are usually found in acid soils, such as peat bogs, or as an understory plant under pines and oaks, whose leaf litter creates an acid mulch. The fruit is a red to blue edible berry.
PLACEMENTS
We will grow blueberries in any suitable location.*
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
- Vaccinium can be planted in partial shade to full sun
- Plants should be placed in a soil high in organic matter
- The soil should be prepared with pine needles, peat moss or other acid material
PLANTING GUIDELINES
Plants should be thoroughly mulched after planting and watered in well. Regular irrigation should continue until signs of new growth appear.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
CLICK IMAGES FOR PAGES WITH COMPLETE PLANT LISTS FOR THE OTHER SECTIONS
WHERE TO PURCHASE ALL PLANTS
Here are the results of our research for purchasing all food forest and outdoor plants. Unlike everything we will be growing in the aquapini and walipini structures and large-scale garden, we did not price out each individual plant listed here because we wish to wait for the specific planting plan that will be developed throughout the first year of the living on the property; a planting plan that may evolve this list significantly. We did, however, complete sufficient research so that anyone wishing to purchase any of the plants currently listed above will can do so.
We use the following key for all of the plant providers listed below. To jump directly to what you seek, use your browser’s Find Function and remember to put the parenthesis around the letter code for the category you are looking for. Here are the abbreviations with short descriptions of all the categories you will find:
(A) = APPLES
Apples will be an important component of One Community’s Food Forest. We will work to achieve maximum diversity of this important fruit. Any provider listed with an “(A)” is a good source to support anyone interested in growing a diversity of apples.
(B) = BIODIVERISTY
Websites listed with “(B)” are sources of plants that are of interest to our open source Botanical Garden model and the preservation of biodiversity. Look to these sources if you are interested in the preservation of biodiversity too.
(Bb) = BAMBOO
Bamboo has a broad diversity of uses. Any providers listed with a “(Bb)” offer bamboo plants.
(G) = GARLIC
Garlic is food, medicine, flavoring…an essential plant to any community. Mmmm…garlic!
(M) = MEDICINAL
Websites listed with “(M)” are sources of plant with a history of medicinal use.
(O) = ORCHARD
“(O)” providers are website sources of fruits that will be cultivated in mixed polyculture orchards at One Community.
(Tp) = TROPICALS
Providers listed with a “(TP)” provide plants that, in our case, will be limited to the Aquapini/Walapini/Zenapini structures. They may be fruit, medicinal, culinary, etc.
(Tr) – TREES
“(Tr)” providers supply trees for Community forest plantings.
(V) = VEGETABLES
Providers listed with a “(V)” are sites and sources of seeds and plants that will be grown in the community’s food gardens.
(W) = WILD FOODS
Providers listed with a “(W)” are website sources of plant that will be components of Zone 3 and beyond; food plant that do not require much tending or cultivation.
PLANT PROVIDERS
www.sacredsucculents.com (B) (G) (M) (Tr) (V) (W)
Ben Kamm’s collection of useful species includes much more than succulent genera, including California natives, Chilean species, wild food plants, and many little-known or hard to find medicinal plants. Many offerings are available nowhere else. Most have provenance data, describing where they were collected, ecotype, uses, etc. An excellent resource. Limited volume, most propagules are sold out early in the season.
www.centuryfarmorchards.com (A) (O)
Century Farm Orchards is a small commercial nursery dedicated to preserving and disseminating the apple collection of Lee Calhoun, who spent decades locating old apples of the American South. They are the only commercial source for many of these varieties. Not all varieties are propagated for sale every year, so it is advisable to contact them to place orders early. Their web site has excellent descriptions of these apples, their origins, flavors, keeping qualities etc.
www.ars.usda.gov (A) (O)
The National Agricultural Research Service is a department of the USDA. The center at Geneva, New York is associated with Cornell University, and is the repository of the nations collections of apple, grape, and tart cherry varieties. Nearly 7000 apples are maintained here, and are used in breeding programs. Small amounts of dormant budwood are available for many varieties. An important global resource.
www.tropicalfruitforum.com (M) (Tp)
This chat board is one of the best resources for anyone interested in growing tropical or subtropical fruit. Its worldwide membership includes plant breeders, backyard growers, commercial orchardists etc. They have an exchange page where members can buy, sell and trade from their collections. There are many varieties and species held among the membership that are not available from commercial sources.
www.colecionandofrutas.org (M) (Tp)
This is the website of Helton Josue, a Brazilian scientist whose passion for preserving the wild food plants of his region of Brazil has led him to collect and share a wide range of species that are unavailable elsewhere, several are species new to science and have not been formally described. He makes small lots of seed available as they ripen.
www.ecoseeds.com (M) (V) (W)
This is the website of the Redwood City Seed Company, one of the original heirloom seed sellers. Since 1972 Craig and Sue Dremenn have introduced hundreds of valuable varieties of garden vegetables to American gardeners.
www.jlhudsonseeds.net (B) (M) (Tr) (W)
Founded in 1911, J.L. Hudson, Seedsman has for over the last 30 years been operated by David Theodoropolos and Sherri Calkins who are committed to the motto “Preservation through dissemination” Their catalog is always a fascinating read, describing the history, biology, ethnobotany, chemistry etc. for many of the hundreds of species offered. A pioneering company, worthy of support.
www.4everseeds.com (M) (V) (W)
Source of heirloom seeds, wild food seeds, and dye plant seeds. They also market a hand operated oilseed press.
Offers over 600 varieties of heirloom tomatoes.
www.seedsavers.org (M) (V) (W)
Founded in 1975 by Kent Whealy and his family to share some of his own family’s heirloom garden seeds, SSE has grown into the largest grassroots seed preservation organization in the country. Access is by membership. They maintain a demonstration farm in Decorah Iowa and in addition to several thousand varieties of vegetables, they also have a Heritage Orchard of some 400 regional apple varieties, and 360 varieties of grape varieties from the famous grape breeder Elmer Swenson.
www.sandhillpreservation.com (V)
A real family farm, the Sandhill Preservation Center maintains hundreds of vegetable and grain varieties, as well as poultry breeds. They also have an extensive collection of sweet potato varieties and will share their techniques for successfully growing them in colder northern climates.
www.oikostreecrops.com (Tr) (W)
Sells seedlings of many temperate zone food forest species. has a particularly good selection of oaks, both timber and acorn types.
www.lawyernursery.com (M) (Tr) (W)
Wholesale nursery offering tree and shrubs seedlings and bulk seed of many common species to forestry projects and revegetation projects. Also fruit tree rootstocks in bulk and at good prices.
www.ediblelandscaping.com (M) (O) (Tr) (V) (W)
Good varietal selection of many standard and unusual food perennials.
www.bonitafruittrees.com (O) (Tp)
Extensive collection of subtropical and deciduous fruit trees.
www.rollingrivernursery.com (O) (Tr)
Fruit and nut tree nursery.
Main producer of avocado, citrus and subtropical fruit trees for commercial California groves.
Source of many rare tropical fruit tree species. Based in Hawaii but ships in bulk to Excalibur Nursery in Florida.
www.dnagardens.com (V) (W)
Canadian nursery that is the licensed propagator for the new “Ben” series of black currants.
Canadian vegetable seed supplier.
Nursery specializing in the production of trees inoculated with the endomycorrhizal fungi producing black and white truffles. The mycelia web in forest ecosystems is an important design element in evolving a food forest, as many tree species are benefitted by mycorrhizal association with certain fungal symbionts.
www.filareefarm.com (G) (V)
Seed garlic and potatoes.
www.hoodrivergarlic.com & www.thegarlicstore.com & www.greenmountaingarlic.com (G)
Seed garlic providers.
www.garlicfarm.ca & www.rasacreekfarm.com & www.snoetic.ca (G)
Canadian source of seed garlic.
www.richters.com (M) (V)
Canadian company offering medicinal plants and culinary herbs, either live plants or seeds. An excellent resource for the herb garden.
www.companionplants.com (M) (W)
Herbs, medicinals, culinary and dye plants and seeds.
www.yerbabuenanursery.com (B) (M) (W)
A significant percent of California native plants were used medicinally and this provider specializes in them and supplies information on traditional medicinal usage.
Nursery supplying ginseng rootlets for planting as well as bloodroot.
www.rareplantnursery.net (M) (V)
Herb and garden plant nursery. A few vegetable and fruit plants as well.
www.healingspiritplants.com (M)
California-based collection of medicinal plants. They list many rare species not widely available.
Florida-based nursery offering many uncommon subtropical herbs.
www.plantdelights.com (M) (W)
Texas nursery offering a wide variety of unusual plants including medicinal, food, bee pasture etc.
www.arneherbs.co.uk (M) (W)
UK source for over 900 herbs and wildflowers. Unknown if they ship outside the UK.
Massachusetts nursery dedicated to the reservation of at-risk medicinal plants.
Oregon nursery with a range of culinary and medicinal herbs.
www.mountaingardensherbs.com (M) (W)
Herbalists that offer workshops in Chinese herb cultivation, harvesting, processing and use. Grow a wide range of TCM herbs offered as seed and plants. Have a number of herbs unavailable elsewhere in North America.Also offers wild food plant of both the eastern U.S and a collection od ‘sansai’ – traditional wild mountain vegetables of Japan.
www.blackfootnativeplants.com (M) (W)
Montana nursery specializing in plants native to the bioregion including wild food and medicinal species.
www.silverhillseeds.co.za (B) (M) (W)
Seed company in South Africa offering a wide range of S.A natives including wild food and medicinal species. Seed is mainly collected from wild stands. Valuable source of some species unavailable outside Africa.
www.hawaiiantropicalplants.com (M) (Tp)
This Hawaiian nursery has some rare tropical medicinals, including yoco and cultivars of kava.
www.treefrogfarm.com (M) (W)
Pacific Northwest natives nursery including medicinal and wild food species.
www.horizonherbs.com (M) (W)
Since 1985 Richo Cech and his family have been collection growing and using plants on their Oregon farm. They offer a wide range of vegetable, culinary and medicinal seeds, roots and tubers.
www.heritageflowerfarm.com (B) (M)
Wide range of perennials, some with medicinal properties although this may not be noted on the website.
www.forestfarm.com (M) (Tr) (W)
Large wholesale nursery of tree shrub and fruit tree stock.
www.rareplantresearch.com (B) (M) (W)
Offering a selection of mostly tender arid-zone species with a particularly good collection of Burseraceae.
www.richardlyonsnursery.com (Tp)
Nursery offering mainly subtropical and tropical trees and shrubs including some rarities.
www.msknursery.com (B) (M) (Tr) (W)
Wide selection of trees shrubs and perennial including some rarities.
www.nolinnursery.com (O) (Tr)
Nut trees, persimmons, and pawpaws.
www.wagonwheelorchard.com (A) (O)
Offering over 1,000 apple varieties as benchgrafts.
www.justfruitsandexotics.com (O) (W)
Good varietal selection of many unusual fruits.
www.kuffelcreek.com (A) (O)
California nursery offering low-chill apple varieties for mild winter climates.
www.sunscapes.net (B) (M) (W)
Colorado nursery offering mostly drought tolerant perennials.
Baker Creek Seeds is an heirloom vegetable seed company offering a wide range of varieties.
California heirloom seed company offering organic seed for over 1600 varieties of vegetable,grain, herb and cover crop seed.
Heirloom vegetable, herb, grain seeds.
www.seedsofchange.com (M) (V)
Offering vegetable, herb and flower seed.
Maine company offering short-season and greenhouse adapted vegetable seed and berry plants. www.kitazawaseed.com (V)
Seed company offering a wide range of Asian vegetables, especially leafy greens. Lists species that are difficult to find elsewhere; pickling melon, water pepper, perilla, water dropwort, etc.
www.vermontbean.com (V) (G)
Seed company offering heirloom and open-pollinated vegetable seed, garlic and berry plants.
www.noursefarms.com (V) (O)
Since 1932, Nourse farms has been a supplier of cane berry, strawberry, rhubarb and asparagus plants.
www.agroforestry.co.uk (M) (W)
UK based company offering an extensive range of edible and medicinal temperate trees shrubs and perennials.
www.badgersett.com (Tr) (W)
Minnesota nursery and private research organization developing nut trees. Offering chestnuts hazels, hickories and pecans. Bred especially to withstand colder climates.
www.csr-inc.com (M) (W)
Conservation Seeding and Restoration Inc. is a seed company and nursery offering seed mixes and native plant revegetation services for the mountain west. Their species list includes wild food plants and medicinal species.
www.permaculturenursery.com (M) (W)
Offering some unusual edible perennials, including Phaseolus polystachyos, a perennial bean species.
www.onegreenworld.com (M) (O) (W)
Wide selection of edible species for temperate climates.
Gary Nabham’s pioneering organization dedicated to preserving the food plants of Native American cultures in the Sonoran Desert region.
Fruit tree nursery specializing in heirloom fruit varieties.
www.tierramadrefarm.com (A) (O)
Offers a wide range of temperate fruit trees. Has a particularly nice collection of of European pear varieties.
www.oldvaapples.com (A) (O)
Fruit tree nursery with a focus on the heritage apples of Virginia. Many unique varieties.
www.arboreumco.com (A) (O)
California nursery offering many rare and heirloom fruit varieties. One of the only sources of improved cultivars of tecojote (Crataegus mexicana).
Located in Puerto Rico, Montoso Gardens supplies many rare tropical fruit trees and seeds from their collection.
www.organicfarm.net (Tp)
Also in Puerto Rico, Sadhu Govardhan has an extensive collection of tropical fruit and food trees. He sell seeds and plants.
One of the largest collection of banana varieties available for sale. Rooted corms or tissue culture.
www.floridahillnursery.com (M) (Tp)
Located in Orlando Florida, they have an extensive collection of banana and pineapple varieties reproduced via tissue culture. Also other tropical ornamentals and gingers.
www.excaliburfruittrees.com (Tp)
Florida nursery offering a wide selection of tropical and subtropical fruiting plants. Has a good selection of jackfruit varieties.
www.desertsurvivors.org (M) (W)
Southern Arizona native plant nursery. Lists some rare desert edible and medicinal species.
Medicinal herb nursery.
www.australianplants.com (Bb) (W)
Located in Southern California, they offer a range of hard-to-find Australian and South African species for xeriscaping and mediterranean gardens.
www.bamboogarden.com (Bb) (W)
Oregon nursery specializing in bamboo.
www.bamboodirect.com (Bb) (W)
Oregon nursery specializing in bamboo.
www.bamboosourcery.com (Bb) (W)
California nursery specializing in bamboo.
www.walkeravenuenursery.com (Bb) (M) (W)
California nursery specializing in aquatic and bog plants including many edible and medicinal species.
www.raintreenursery.com (Bb) (M) (Tr) (V)
Located in Morton Washington, they offer fruit trees, nut trees, berries, vines, citrus, subtropicals, rootstocks, mushrooms and ornamentals.www.burntridgenursery.com (Bb) (Tr)
Located in the foothills of the Cascade mountains. Specialize in unusual and disease resistant trees, vines, and shrubs that produce edible nuts or fruits. Has Northwest native plants and ornamental and useful landscape trees.
SUMMARY
Through applied permaculture principles and proper stewardship it is possible to turn almost any piece of land into an abundant and thriving forest of food. As part of One Community’s Highest Good of All philosophy, and open source botanical garden model, we will be open source sharing our afforestation/reforestation experience as we create our food forest on the One Community property. This process will continue indefinitely and we will keep on-going records of this transformation through detailed notes and time-lapse videos (covering years of development) that we will add to this page as they are completed.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How do you intend to evolve this page?
Part of One Community’s Highest Good of All philosophy is open source sharing the complete details of what is possible with a food forest. Through our open source botanical garden model we will accession all plants on the property and entering the property and then keep detailed records of:
- Planting guidelines for each plant
- Cultural considerations for each plant
- Which plants do best in each of the different zones
- Harvest numbers and details on how to improve harvest volume
- The visual transformation of the property using carefully planned and maintained time-lapse photography
All of these details will be added and updated on this page indefinitely along with answers to questions raised by visitors to the property and this site.
Q: What if I have a suggestion for that I feel would be valuable to add to this page?
Please submit it to us using our Suggestions Page. There are also always positions open to join our team as either a Consultant or Pioneer.
Q: Why are all the names listed in latin?
Latin names are used first because they are universally accepted with common names following in parenthesis.
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