Quackin Grass Nursery

Prunus gravesii (form. Prunus maritima var. gravesii (ex: Gregory Anderson) - This Beach Plum is a truly a very rare endemic originally discovered at what is now known as Esker Point in Groton, Connecticut. Sadly, now extinct in the wild in that a single individual had ever been identified and lived a lonely life. Only a handful of specimens remain in a few arboreta - possibly Connecticut College and the Arnold Arboretum. He reports that there is still one specimen on the University of Connecticut Storrs campus. Professor Anderson generously allowed us cuttings from his own plant; now we have it at Quackin' Grass. In good conditions this upright, multi-stemmed shrub may achieve 8.5 feet in height cloaked rounded dark green glossy leaves with a crinkly texture and gently serrated edges. The leaves are scalloped coins, a complete departure from the usual Beach Plum leaf. Fertile draining ground in full sun. Established potted Graves Beach Plum from cutting.

On October 13,2026 Kathryn W. wrote us: “I was very excited to see your post about Grave’s Beach Plum. The Ledyard Garden Club takes care of the Great Oak Memorial Garden at the town’s historic Nathan Lester House. This property was bought by Charles Graves in 1908 and was his summer home and eventually owned by his daughter who donated it plus garden to the town in 1965. I was wondering if you had any Grave’s beach Plum for sale? It would be so neat if we had one in the garden. I know that Maggie R. director of the Connecticut College arboretum would also be interested in acquiring one. The arboretum has a single one but it is not doing so well. I Look forward to hearing from you very soon. Thank you, Kathryn Wi.”

Our response: “If it isn't available in the on line catalog then it is not available this year. However, I have a specimen on the grounds here from which we take cuttings (we did so this season), root and grow them out for sale. I do want very much for this lonely shrub to find as many homes as possible so that it survives into our and its uncertain future. Prunus gravesii as taxonomists have granted it species-hood I liken it to Franklinia alatamaha down south. It, too, is no longer found in the wild - the only recourse for its survival into the future has been via botanical gardens and private collections. We all live in very dangerous and uncertain times. As Homo sapiens extincts species after species with a mix of arrogance, hubris, ignorance and stubborn stupidity all the while continuing to endanger itself. Governments in mixed cacophony with some implementing more green initiatives and cutting more CO2 and methane emissions than others have created a macabre symphony of demise. Our own is corrupt with legalized bribery, ignores and denies the citizenry it allegedly serves is inept at implementing the kinds of changes needed soon enough to save us from ourselves. I've said too much. “

For more information go to Herald or follow this link. 

Prunus gravesii (form. Prunus maritima var. gravesii (ex: Gregory Anderson) - This Beach Plum is a truly a very rare endemic originally discovered at what is now known as Esker Point in Groton, Connecticut. Sadly, now extinct in the wild in that a single individual had ever been identified and lived a lonely life. Only a handful of specimens remain in a few arboreta - possibly Connecticut College and the Arnold Arboretum. He reports that there is still one specimen on the University of Connecticut Storrs campus. Professor Anderson generously allowed us cuttings from his own plant; now we have it at Quackin' Grass. In good conditions this upright, multi-stemmed shrub may achieve 8.5 feet in height cloaked rounded dark green glossy leaves with a crinkly texture and gently serrated edges. The leaves are scalloped coins, a complete departure from the usual Beach Plum leaf. Fertile draining ground in full sun. Established potted Graves Beach Plum from cutting.

On October 13,2026 Kathryn W. wrote us: “I was very excited to see your post about Grave’s Beach Plum. The Ledyard Garden Club takes care of the Great Oak Memorial Garden at the town’s historic Nathan Lester House. This property was bought by Charles Graves in 1908 and was his summer home and eventually owned by his daughter who donated it plus garden to the town in 1965. I was wondering if you had any Grave’s beach Plum for sale? It would be so neat if we had one in the garden. I know that Maggie R. director of the Connecticut College arboretum would also be interested in acquiring one. The arboretum has a single one but it is not doing so well. I Look forward to hearing from you very soon. Thank you, Kathryn Wi.”

Our response: “If it isn't available in the on line catalog then it is not available this year. However, I have a specimen on the grounds here from which we take cuttings (we did so this season), root and grow them out for sale. I do want very much for this lonely shrub to find as many homes as possible so that it survives into our and its uncertain future. Prunus gravesii as taxonomists have granted it species-hood I liken it to Franklinia alatamaha down south. It, too, is no longer found in the wild - the only recourse for its survival into the future has been via botanical gardens and private collections. We all live in very dangerous and uncertain times. As Homo sapiens extincts species after species with a mix of arrogance, hubris, ignorance and stubborn stupidity all the while continuing to endanger itself. Governments in mixed cacophony with some implementing more green initiatives and cutting more CO2 and methane emissions than others have created a macabre symphony of demise. Our own is corrupt with legalized bribery, ignores and denies the citizenry it allegedly serves is inept at implementing the kinds of changes needed soon enough to save us from ourselves. I've said too much. “

For more information go to Herald or follow this link.

 Prunus maritima var. gravesii