Fire Blight Resistant Fruit Trees

After many failures, I decided that for my particular home orchard situated near black walnut trees, that I would need fruit trees that both tolerate juglone and are resistant to fire blight.

They can be toxic to several plants. Fruit Trees that are both juglone-tolerant and fire blight resistant:

1. Pears
   • Fire blight resistant varieties include Shinko, Harrow Delight, and Seckel (Asian varieties tend to be more resistant than European pears)
   • Juglone tolerance is moderate for pears. They are better than apples but should still be separated from the walnut roots if at all possible to do so
2. Persimmons
   • Persimmons are generally naturally resistant to fire blight
   • Persimmons also have high tolerance for juglone
   • Common persimmons (American persimmons) can grow in zones 4-9, but Asian persimmons need warmer zones
   • These trees should be easy to grow near black walnuts…however…I’ve never had a persimmon. I should probably see if I actually like them before I start farming them.
3. Mulberries
   • Mulberries aren’t susceptible to fire blight
   • They also have high tolerance to juglone
   • They are hardy in zones 4-8
   • I’ve also never had a mulberry! Apparently they’re difficult to transport. Reviews are mixed on the taste.
4. Pawpaws
   • Pawpaws aren’t susceptible to fire blight
   • Pawpaws have high tolerance to juglone
   • It seems they can be grown in Rochester and do okay in partial shade
   • I’m probably never going to find one of these in stores either.
5. Jujube
   • Jujubes are resistant to fire blight
   • They are also very tolerant of juglone, drought, and disease
   • These can be grown in zones 6-9 and some varieties can even tolerate zone 5
   • They look tasty but who knows?