List of Self-Pollinating Fruit Trees

Many small fruit bushes and vines, such as raspberries, blackberries and strawberries, are self-pollinating. Trees typically need another variety to cross-pollinate with. Apple trees, for example, will not bear fruit without cross-pollination. If you are planting a small orchard, choose among several self-pollinating fruit trees.

All varieties of sweet cherries require multiple cultivars for cross-pollination, with the exception of Stella and Lapins cherries, which can self-pollinate. Tart or sour cherries, however, are self-fertile, so multiple cultivars are not necessary. Tart cherry varieties include Evans, Latowski, Montmorency and Northstar cherries. Remember that even with self-pollinating fruit trees, bees are still needed to carry pollen from flower to flower.

Many varieties of apricot are self-pollinating, including Moorpark apricots and most European cultivars. Only one tree is necessary. However, even self-pollinating apricots will fruit better when planted near another variety; this is especially true of Manchurian and Siberian apricots.

Almost all peaches are self-pollinated. This includes popular cultivars like Elberta, Redhaven, O'Henry and Reliance peaches. A select few cultivars--most notably J.H. Hale--require a second cultivar for pollination. If your self-pollinating peach trees are not becoming pollinated, lack of bees could be the culprit. If you have this problem, place a hive near your fruit trees to aid pollination.

Very fer pears are considered self-fruitful; most require at least one other cultivar to cross-pollinate with. Two cultivars--Dutchess and Kieffer--are self-pollinating, but will produce more healthy fruit with a second cultivar.