I haven’t seen a lot of info or pictures of anyone using Prunus padus (the mayday tree / European bird cherry) as a rootstock. This tree is found all over Alaska in the urban areas. It’s an incredibly robust tree and nearly indestructible once it gets established. The tree is invasive and will take over the landscape. I have two massive trees in my yard and there are fresh shoots popping up all over the place and if you don’t trim them back you will have a mayday forest on your hands in no time. The mayday produces a tiny, somewhat astringent fruit that is mostly pit with a tiny bit of flesh.
I figured since I already have this monster taking over my yard, why not try to do something useful with it? I ordered a few pieces of plum scion out of Fairbanks to see if I could get anything to grow. I have bad luck with grafting and had very low expectations. I checked on things today and here are the results. I hope the grafts continue to grow and can survive the winter. I think I will try grafting some sour cherries next year.
