Fruit trees are some of the most rewarding plants to cultivate. They are a testament to the phenomenal life cycle of plants and the seemingly miraculous ways through which they ensure their spread and survival. For fruits to develop, a whole host of natural processes needs to occur. Roots need access to essential nutrients in the soil, shoots must undergo photosynthesis to convert these nutrients into plant matter, and flowers must successfully attract pollinators.
As seasonal blooms are usually a precursor to the development of fruits, perennial trees may have a dynamic year-round appearance. The most popular fruit trees, such as those in the apple and orange families, tend to rely on seasonal changes in sunlight levels and temperature. Natural cues guarantee that their blooms and fruits develop during key periods of the year.
The availability of moisture, for example, can drastically affect how soon and how vigorously a plant may bear fruit. Fruit trees that have strong preferences for moist substrates may fail to bloom in dry areas. Conversely, fruit trees that prefer dry soils may quickly rot and die back due to excess moisture. The water-loving trees below, all of which are valued for their juicy produce, can be grown in rain gardens, close to outdoor water features, or in regularly irrigated landscapes.
1) European plum (Prunus domestica)
Plums are medium-sized drupes. They each contain a hard fruit stone surrounded by a casing of firm, juicy, and oftentimes sweet flesh. Some of the most popular types of plums are those produced by varieties of P. domestica, which is believed to be a natural hybrid of other plum trees. The fruits of these trees may be called prune plums, damsons, greengages, Mirabelle plums, and more.
This valuable member of the Rosaceae family comes in a handful of medium-sized cultivars, many of which are recipients of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. In general, this deciduous species can be grown as a specimen tree in areas with moisture-retentive substrates. Clay-based and chalky soils are tolerated, though a loamy mixture is preferred if the canopy is partly sheltered. The fruits tend to be of higher quality if they are sourced from canopies receiving ample sunlight.
Capable of growing to about 20 feet (6 meters) tall, the European plum is set apart by its greyish-brown trunk, simple leaves with slightly crenated margins, and clusters of spritely white spring blooms. Some modern-day varieties may be self-fertile and should produce fruits in the absence of a partner tree. Otherwise, pollinating insects are crucial in the development of their nutrient-rich fruits.
2) American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
Commonly found in clusters close to the Mississippi River basin, the American persimmon is a predominantly wild species. There is some local interest in its cultivation, though its garden or orchard specimens may take much longer to bear a sufficient yield of fruits. This heritage crop now comes in a handful of commercial and ornamental varieties. In the absence of pollinators, some of these are able to produce seedless fruits.
The American persimmon, also referred to as sugar plum, possum apple, or common persimmon, can grow to about 80 feet (24 meters) tall. Its trunk, from which multiple branches arise, is usually quite slender. Its rounded canopy consists of ovate, smooth-edged, and deep-green foliage. In fall, the leaves may either retain their green hues or develop subtle shades of yellow and purple. Male and female flowers occur on separate trees during May to June.
This robust tree can grow in a wide range of substrates, including moisture-retentive ones. As its wild stands are often associated with a riparian environment, it shows a clear preference for moist, yet well-draining conditions. Highly adaptable, this native tree is great for naturalizing parks, urban gardens, and reclaimed landscapes.
3) Mulberry trees (Morus spp.)
Mulberry trees rose in popularity once they were discovered to be ideal host plants for silkworks. These deciduous flowering trees are now grown in many temperate and subtropical regions for their ornamental value, nutrient-rich fruits, and pharmacological uses. Some of the most commonly cultivated species include the white mulberry (M. alba), red mulberry (M. rubra), and black mulberry (M. nigra).
In the wild, mulberry trees tend to favor conditions in lowland forests, sheltered slopes, ravines, and valleys with central water features. They have a clear preference for moist conditions, but they are also known for being quite forgiving in gardens with seasonally dry substrates. As they tolerate shade, they can be grown beneath the canopies of larger, moisture-loving trees.
Mulberry trees can be highly productive in shaded riverbanks, where their sprawling root systems aid in stabilizing the soils during floods and rainy seasons. Their sweet fruits, which initially arise as fuzzy clusters, may serve as food for many birds and herbivorous mammals, such as squirrels and raccoons.
4) Asian pear (Pyrus pyrifolia)
As it comes in many commercially valuable cultivars throughout its native range, the Asian pear is also known as Korean pear, Japanese pear, zodiac pear, and Persian pear. This countryside tree’s blooms herald the onset of spring as they create dazzling displays of delicately white petals. The canopies of prolific plants are transformed once their fragrant blooms densely coat their branches. Of course, these attract a wealth of buzzing pollinators.
This medium-sized fruit tree can be grown in a wide range of environments. Its roots expertly absorb nutrients from heavy clay to well-draining, loamy substrates. Its young specimens need to be watered regularly, at least until they are well-established. Mature trees can usually persist with rain-sourced moisture, though supplementary irrigation should be provided in drier or hotter locations.
Asian pears that are rooted into deep, fertile substrates are usually able to produce high yields of juicy pears each year. Their fruits can take as much as 7 months to fully ripen. Crispy and sweet, they may be composed of up to 88% water! These definitely make for satisfyingly fresh snacks in the home garden!
5) Common apple (Malus domestica)
Now cultivated all across the globe for its crisp, sweet, and fragrant fruits, the common apple is ideal for moist zones of temperate gardens. The root systems of its most notable cultivars are unable to tolerate prolonged droughts and may fail to extend their reach in predominantly sandy soils. Ample moisture through the growth period of spring to summer, coupled with a high concentration of organic matter, should lead to favorable yields.
Though the common apple is a water-loving tree, it should not be grown in waterlogged substrates or in areas that experience frequent floods. Just the right amount of retained moisture should be maintained, otherwise the roots may suffer. If you intend to grow this tree in regions with arid summers, supplementary irrigation would be necessary.
In apple trees, drought stress is manifested in a number of obvious and hidden ways. Of course, a poor water supply could lead to dropped leaves and failed fruit production. A closer look into the plant’s physiology reveals that it quickly responds to various levels of water stress. Now that freshwater shortages are rampant in this species’ native range, both its wild and cultivated stands may struggle to survive.
6) Sapodilla (Manilkara zapota)
This evergreen fruit tree goes by many common names in Mexico, throughout the Caribbean, and in tropical Asia, where it has naturalized stands. These include sapodilla, chico, nispero, and naseberry. Though its fruits aren’t the most colorful or eye-catching, a first taste of their ripened meat would undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience. Extremely malty, sapodilla fruits can be as sweet as nectar!
If you’re after a long-lived fruit tree for ornamental interest, shade, or structure in a tropical garden or landscape, don’t overlook this species. It tends to favor coastal regions with warm and markedly humid conditions. While mature sapodillas can tolerate periodic floods, however, this fruit tree should not be left to grow in consistently waterlogged soil. Moreover, while it can tolerate salt and coastal winds, it will die back in freezing temperatures.
Sapodilla fruits are highly perishable, so they must be harvested and consumed within a few days of ripening. The sweet, fallen fruits are likely to attract wildlife, especially those with a penchant for consuming natural sugars. Extensive research into the chemical composition of the fruit has revealed that it is rich in pharmaceutically-valuable chemicals.
7) Persian lime (Citrus x latifolia)
The Persian lime is a remarkably successful wild hybrid between two parent lime trees – the key lime (Citrus x aurantiifolia) and the lemon tree (Citrus x limon). This commercially important member of the Rutaceae family produces flavorful and vitamin-rich fruits. These fruits aren’t as acidic or as bitter as those of their close relatives, making them more suitable for general culinary use.
Though many citrus trees are able to thrive in semi-arid conditions, this particular hybrid favors moisture-retentive soils. It can tolerate heavy clay soils as long as its canopy is provided with an adequate amount of sun exposure throughout the year. Semi-shade is also tolerated wherever the substrate is exceptionally well-draining. Supplementary irrigation is necessary for fruit production in regions where substrates may be dry for weeks on end.
Hardy to USDA zones 8 – 11, the Persian lime tree can persist as an evergreen plant in optimal conditions. Apart from being a fantastic source of fruits, it also has stunning ornamental features. It rarely grows to massive and unmanageable proportions. More often than not, it has a full height of just 20 feet (6 meters). Healthy trees produce a profusion of white blooms in early to mid-spring. Some cultivars, such as ‘Tahiti’, don’t require pollinators to bear fruit.
8) Mango (Mangifera indica)
One of the most precious South and Southeast Asian fruit trees, M. indica comes in dozens of commercially important varieties. It bears what has long been considered the national fruit of many countries, including India, the Philippines, and Pakistan. In less-developed regions, selling the fruits of mango trees may be a primary means of obtaining income. In the West, the fruits are highly valued for their exotic fragrance and flavor.
Native and naturalized stands of mango trees can usually tolerate continuous spells of warm rains. In the tropics, these trees often rely on extended rainy periods to obtain enough moisture for fruit production. That being said, waterlogged and heavy soils may also endanger developing roots. A good balance between drainage, moisture, and soil fertility is key to ensuring a prosperous yield.
Mango trees can be grown in the southernmost portions of the US or wherever tropical to subtropical conditions abound. They may be more sensitive to low temperatures than they are to moisture-related parameters, especially in gardens or farms where they receive supplementary irrigation. USDA hardiness zones 9 – 11 have the most suitable conditions for mango production.
9) Common fig (Ficus carica)
The perfect plant to round-up an edible garden, the common fig can be cultivated as a large, woody shrub or as a small tree with a low-hanging canopy. This deciduous species is hardy to USDA zones 7 – 10, where many of its features can thrive in relatively mild conditions. It can grow to a maximum height of about 30 feet (9 meters). Keep in mind that it can be trained to maintain more manageable dimensions.
Though the common fig favors well-draining substrates, it is partial to soils with moisture-retentive qualities. This water-loving tree requires an abundance of moisture through its fruiting period. Low moisture can negatively affect yield rates as well as the size and overall quality of the fruits. Thus, though a sunny location is necessary for high yields, it’s important to make sure that the soil doesn’t dry out too quickly.
The common fig is unusual in the sense that it doesn’t produce flowers before fruits. Instead, its tiny blooms develop within the fruits themselves! Specialized wasps, which have evolved alongside figs, are able to enter the “syconium” or fruit package and pollinate the blooms from within. Once the fruit is finally ripe and ready to eat, any wasps will have long left its confines.
10) Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)
The hackberry is a notably large and long-lived fruit tree. This deciduous species has significant value to wildlife, especially as its dense canopies can reach heights of up to 130 feet (40 meters). Found in a wide range of habitats throughout the US, it generally favors bottomlands with calcareous substrates. Moreover, it thrives best in regions surrounding the Mississippi River, where it may have continuous access to moisture and organic matter.
This water-loving tree is often a key component of riparian landscapes throughout its native range. Its billowy branches, covered in alternately-arranged leaves, support the nutritional needs of many endemic moths and insects. Its bark, especially that of younger trees, possesses distinct patterns made by deep ridges. The wood itself isn’t known for being strong, but it may be used as a cheap material for fences and furniture.
The fruits of the hackberry tree are perhaps its most ecologically important feature. These first appear in the fall and may remain on the tree through winter. Small, purple, and edible, these high-calorie berries are rich in fat, proteins, and carbohydrates. They are a vital food source for birds and small mammals. Unsurprisingly, many Native American tribes found a wealth of uses for them too.
