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Thanks to Peaceful Valley Farm and Garden Supply (originally started by our founder Amigo Bob Cantisano), a collection of some of our favorite species and varieties  are available for pre-sale through their website for the 2024/25 Bare Root Season 

Felix Gillet Collector Trees

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Below: the SOLD OUT Varieties listed are for informational purposes only. These are the trees and plants that we have re-discovered and sold over the years. They are the result of our passionate searches throughout Northern California, the Sierra Nevada and Western States to re-discover the historic, agricultural, living library still in existence. These trees and plants, left over from the 1800’s and early 1900’s Gold Rush era, were discovered on historic mining camps, ranches, and  homesteads. Most of these trees have become climate resilient with no human attention for the last 100 plus years. They give the best fruit and nuts in conditions that most fruit and nut trees cannot endure with large annual temperature variations.

These  grandmother trees have learned to thrive under the most harsh conditions, and with uncertain weather patterns.  It is our goal to make them available to growers, gardeners and communities throughout the West Coast.

We have personally taken cuttings directly from the 100+ year old grandmother trees that still cling to life in some, often deserted, historic orchards. The Felix Gillet Institute trees are very rare, exclusive plants – some may have only just been rediscovered.

95% of plants available during the 1800s are no longer available today.  We are saving what is left before they die. 

 You can become a Mother Orchard Supporter and help us in our efforts to discover more rare, historical trees and care for our collection of over 250 trees, by clicking on the Mother Orchard link above.

Ten of these varieties are available through Peaceful Valley Farm and Garden Supply this year 2024/25. 

Thank you for all your Support!

Clairac Mammoth d'Ente (aka Improved French Prune)

SKU 00078
$0.00
Sold out
Product Details

This is the world’s most popular prune, and dominates production in California. It produces a large, dark purple and very sweet succulent plum that dries readily into the famous prune of California. Introduced from Ente, France by Gillet in 1882. Fruit is medium-sized, egg shaped, dark red-to-purplish with rich, sweet dark amber flesh. One of the highest yielding prunes, it dries with an average 3:1 drying ratio. The tree is vigorous with an upright growth habit. This variety is moderately self fertile, it is known to increase productivity when planted with a pollenizer such as the Imperial or Robe de Sargeant. Fruit ripens in mid-August to late September depending on elevation.

Our mother tree is located in Humbug, the famous mining camp now known as Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, at 3250’ on the San Juan Ridge of Nevada County. While it is difficult to estimate the age, they are planted next to a house from the late 1800s. I have observed these trees for more than 30 years, and they have produced an excellent crop in seven out of 10 years, at a very challenging climatic site. The main problem for these trees are the bears, who relish the fruit and break the limbs nearly every summer! A truly wonderful variety, suited for all uses.

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Clairac Mammoth d'Ente (aka Improved French Prune)

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