Table of Contents Show

Quicklist: Types of Fruit Trees

Apples
Oranges
Mangoes
Lemons
Pears
Apricots
Coconuts
Plum
Almond
Indian Gooseberry
Cherry
Mulberry
Peach
Fig
Persimmon
Pomegranate
Grapefruit
Avocado
Jaboticaba fruit
Lemon
Lime
Guava
Olive
Lychee
Durian
Jackfruit
Cashew
Abiu
Bael
Ber
Carambola
Crab Apple
Elderberry
Kumquat
Loquat
Papaya
Pecan
Pomelo
Quince
Rambutan
Sapodilla
Soursop
Sweet Chestnut
Tamarillo
Jamaican Tangelo
Walnut

All cultures value the healing powers and restorative qualities of fruit trees. As an essential part of the human diet, fruit-producing trees have evolved over millions of years.

Fruit That Grows On Trees

Fruit are a vital source of nutrition. Almost all the vitamins that we need for the healthy functioning of our bodies can be found in fruit. However, trees do not produce their fruit just for us.

Fruit houses the seeds of trees; they are the mechanism through which plants spread their genes so that more of their kind can populate the land.

The ovaries of flowering trees turn into fleshy, dry or ripe fruits. Seeds are the fertilized ovum of a tree, and when they are planted, a new tree is born.

Fruit are not exclusive to trees, as they also grow on shrubs, small plants, or ground vegetation. The main objective of fruit trees is to attract various land animals, birds, insects, and humans to their fruit so that they can be consumed and their seeds replanted.

Fruit in Our Diet

The fruit we eat genuinely seem like a gift from nature. A small bowl of pineapple, for example, fulfill 131% of our daily requirement for vitamin C, and 76% of the manganese. Grapefruit are known for their ability to reduce insulin levels in the blood while balancing your cholesterol and preventing kidney stones.

Avocados consist mainly of healthy fats but are also packed with loads of potassium and magnesium. All of these nutrients are known to promote heart health.

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants that reduce the risk of heart disease and Alzheimer’s, while also giving the immune system a boost. Pomegranates have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the risk of cancer.

Besides these benefits, there are many other types of fruit that contain dietary fiber, rare vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants, all of which are an indispensable part of the human diet.

The Evolution of Fruit Trees

Over 430 million years ago, in the Devonian period, the first seed-producing trees appeared. Through the entire Carboniferous period up to the Quaternary period today, trees have flourished on earth, evolving further with each generation.

Just by existing, they provide enough oxygen to balance out our ecosystem. It is because of the sublime relationship between trees and the planet that complex organisms came about, which paved the way for human life to evolve.

Since trees rely on fruit to disseminate their seeds, their fruit evolved to be edible to birds and other animals. Some fruit is even selectively edible.

The jalapeno fruit, for example, contains a chemical called capsaicin that irritates all animals, except birds. The latter feast on these peppers and send out their seeds as far as they can fly.

Source: Royal Forestry Society

Fruit Trees in the Ecosystem

Fruit trees play an important role in the ecosystem by converting sunlight into food for other secondary members of the food chain.

Photosynthesis is not only beneficial to plants as it produces food for them, but also stores excess energy in the fruit, leaves, stems, and sometimes even roots. When we incorporate plants in our diet, the nutrients in them benefit us immensely.

All ecosystems are built on a system of energy transfer. Planet Earth is powered by its sun, but animals usually do not have the tools to convert this energy into a usable form.

So plants do the job for them, and the energy transfer continues in the form of food webs. Many animals such as birds, lizards, and invertebrates depend on plants for their food, which in turn are preyed on by other tertiary animals.

Trees are taller for the very purpose of harboring as much sunlight as possible to convert into functional energy; this gives them plenty of raw materials to produce delicious and nutritious fruit for us.

Source: Science Learning Hub

Habitat and Geographical evolution

From the forests of the Amazon to deserts and savannahs, fruit trees are found everywhere in their different forms and variations. Each continent has several specialized species that have evolved suited to the climate and landscape.

Except for Antarctica, which has very low plantation levels in general, fruit trees are a common feature of every continent.

Source: LibGuides

Fruit in Different Cultures

Fruit is usually considered a symbol of abundance, fertility, and reward. Some common types of fruit have been around for so long that they have become part of the local mythology and culture.

Many such myths and stories seem to surround apples. In Greek mythology, Hercules had to acquire a special type of apple as one of his 12 great labors.

In Norse mythology, apples represent eternal youth, and Adam and Eve were banished from heaven for eating the apple of “knowledge.” Even Snow White was poisoned by her stepmother with an apple.

Tahitian legends claim that the first coconut came from the head of an eel called Tuna.

To the Romans, the pomegranate was a symbol for marriage, and brides wore pomegranate plant wreaths on their heads. The Greeks also considered them a symbol of beauty, love, marriage and fertility. For Muslims around the world, pomegranates are considered fruits from heaven.

Types and Subtypes

Pome Fruit

Pome fruit are members of the plant family Rosaceae, and subfamily pomoideae. They have a tough, fleshy, edible membrane on the outside covering the core of small seeds in the center.

Pome fruit include apples, pears and quince, which are harvested in late summer to late autumn months.

Source: Department of Primary Industries

Stone Fruit or Drupes

Drupes or stone fruit are indehiscent, which means that they have an outer fleshy part that surrounds a single shell inside housing the seeds. They usually develop from a single carpel and include mango, olive, coconut, apricot, cherry, peach and plum.

Source: University of California

Types of Fruit Trees

Apples

Apple trees are extremely popular to plant because of their nutritonal value. There are various species of apple trees in different parts of the world. They have huge amounts of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K and potassium. They reduce the risk of diabetes and cancer and Alzheimer’s.

The pectin content in apples is a notable health benefit. Pectin is a fiber that feeds the good bacteria in your gut, which in turn helps in improve your metabolic health.

Oranges

Oranges are one of the most popular and nutritious fruits in the world. Orange trees are not only aesthetically pleasing to plant in your garden, but also provide a large quantity of vitamin C and potassium. They supply vitamins such as thiamine and folate, as well.

The citric acid found in oranges helps hydrate the body.

Source: Healthline

Mangoes

There are many varieties of mango fruit, and they are especially found in the Southeast Asian region. Mangoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and soluble fiber.

They also contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that lower the probability of contracting diseases, especially diabetes.

Lemons

Lemons are similar to oranges in the impressive amount of vitamin C and citric acid they contain. In the human body, lemons help increase iron absorption, which helps in the prevention of anemia.

They are also known to help in curbing nausea, improving metabolism, and improving skin conditions. Once planted, lemon trees take at least three ti five years to produce fruit.

Source: Nature and More

Pears

Pear trees can grow to be up to 40 feet tall. Not only is the fruit full of protein and fiber, but the tree itself makes a wonderful addition to gardens because of its character, and its ability to survive for over 50 years.

Source: Harvest to Table

Apricots

Apricot trees, when not producing fruit, are decorated by blooming pink and white flowers. The fruit has lots of vitamin A and copper, which is a rare vitamin to be found in fruit.

USDA hardiness zones: 5 to 8.

Source: Gardening Know How

Coconuts

Coconut trees, or more commonly palm trees, belong to family Arecaceae. Although there are more than 150 species spread in over 80 countries, coconut trees only grow in tropical climates.

Coconuts are highly beneficial to humans. From their water and their flesh to oil and milk, they provide us with a rich source of fatty acids, ascorbic acid, proteins, and other B vitamins. Taking them in abundance can also help in restoring damaged tissues in the body.

Source: Owlcation

Plum

Plums are one of the earliest cultivated types of fruit. They are differentiated from similar fruit, like peaches, because their shoots possess a terminal bud and non-clustered solitary side-buds.

If the weather is not humid enough, the fruit will stop growing past a certain point and fall from its tree while still unripened.

Almond

Almond is a drupe fruit, which has an outer hull and a hard shell that contains the seed. This makes almond a fruit and not a true nut. The twigs are green when they are young; taking on a purplish hue on the sides exposed to sunlight, and then turning grey in another year.

The best places to grow almonds are Mediterranean climates where there are warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The most favorable temperature for almond trees is between 59 and 86 ° Fahenheit.

Almonds are sold with or without their shell, and “shelling” almonds refers to removing the shell to reveal the seed in order to make the fruit edible.

Source: Wikipedia

Indian Gooseberry

The leaves of the Indian gooseberry tree are simple, sub-sessile and narrowly spaced; they are light green in color and resemble pinnate leaves. The flowers in full bloom are tinged greenish-yellow, and the fruit is quite round, greenish-yellow, smooth and hard to the touch.

The berries ripen in autumn, when they are picked by hand as harvesters climb to high branches that bear fruit. The taste of the berry is sour and bitter, and the texture fibrous. In India, the berry is submerged in salt water and red chili powder is added to make it more appetizing.

Source: Wikipedia

Cherry

Cherry trees grow in temperate climates of high latitude, and need a cooling period each year to avoid dormancy and bear fruit.

How much cold is required is dependent on the variety, but because of this condition, no species of Prunus can successfully grow in tropical regions. In the Middle East, Europe, North America, and Australia, there are many varieties of the cherry tree.

The genus contains more than 40 members, some of which are Prunus apetala, Prunus avium (sweet cherry), Prunus campanulata (Taiwan cherry, Formosan cherry or bell-flowered cherry), Prunus canescens and Prunus caroliniana Aiton.

Mulberry

The Morus genus comprises of about 10–16 kinds of deciduous trees that are known as mulberries. Mulberries can grow in the wild and under cultivation in temperate climates.

Southern Europe, the Middle East, northern Africa and the Indian subcontinent are all home to mulberries in their various forms, particularly black, red and white.

The ripe fruit is used in pies, tarts, wines and teas. The black mulberry and the red mulberry, native to southwest Asia and eastern North America, respectively, have the strongest flavors.

Peach

Prunus persica is from the Northwestern Chinese region, where it was first cultivated. The edible juicy fruit is named persica, referring to its extensive cultivation in Persia, modern-day Iran.

Peaches require a fairly specific type of climate to thrive: dry, continental or temperate with a chilling requirement that tropical climates cannot satisfy, except in certain high altitude places, such as certain areas in Ecuador, Colombia, Ethiopia, India and Pakistan.

Fig

The fig tree is native to the Middle East and western Asia, where it has been cultivated for centuries. Figs are now grown globally, for its fruit and for ornamental value.

Fig trees grow wild in areas that are dry and sunny, with fresh soil. They can also be found in rocky areas, at sea level up to 1,700 meters.

Persimmon

From the genus Diospyros comes the edible fruit called Persimmon. The tree grows to be around 4.5 to 18 meters in height with a round top.

It is not uncommon for the tree to sometimes be crooked or have a willowy look. The fruit ripens in late fall and can stay safe and edible on the tree into winter.

The color of the matured fruit ranges from shiny light yellow to dark red or orange depending on habitat and variety. The flesh is hard-textured until it ripens and becomes soft, taking on a yellow, orange, or dark-brown hue.

Pomegranate

The pomegranate, or Punica granatum, is a fruit born in a deciduous shrub from family Lythraceae. The tree is quite small, growing to be about five to 10 meters high.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the tree bears fruit in fall and early spring, and in the Southern Hemisphere in mid-spring. Pomegranates have several culinary uses, such as baking, juice blends and smoothies, meal garnishes, and even alcoholic drinks can be made through fermentation.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit is a citrus fruit known for its sour to somewhat bitter flavor. The fruit is a hybrid that was created as an accidental cross between the sweet orange and pomelo, both native to Asia and introduced to the west in the 17th century. It is frequently misidentified as one of its parent species, pomelo.

Avocado

The avocado tree is most likely to have originated in south-central Mexico. The fruit is actually a large berry that has one seed. The species has evolved due to selection pressure by humans to produce fruit with a thinner outer shell.

Avocados need a climate that is warm with less wind, since high winds reduce humidity, dehydrating flowers, and harming the pollination process. When the weather becomes chilly, the fruit may drop prematurely.

Jaboticaba fruit

The Plinia cauliflora, commonly known as the Brazilian grapetree, belongs to the family Myrtaceae, and is native to some states in Brazil. The fruit is well-known for its purplish-black color with white flesh, and grows directly on the trunk.

The jaboticaba fruit can be enjoyed raw, or it can be made into jellies, jams, juices and wine. The evergreen tree grows slowly as high as 15 meters if not pruned. The leaves have a salmon-pink tinge when young, and turn green in adulthood.

In order for the tree to grow well, a moist, rich, slightly acidic soil is required. It is quite adaptable and grows suitably even on different kinds of soils, as long as they are well taken care of.

Lemon

Lemon is a species of a short evergreen tree, native to South Asia, and primarily northeastern regions of India. The tree’s spherical or ellipse-shaped yellow fruit is used in many cuisines and recipes around the world.

The fruit’s sour juice has both culinary and cleaning uses. The zest can also be used when cooking or baking. Lemon juice contains 5% to 6% citric acid, which gives it its flavor.

Lime

A lime is a citrus fruit typically round and green in color. The size is about 3–6 centimeters in diameter. There are several species that are referred to as lime and belong to the same family, including the Key lime (Citrus aurantifolia), the Persian lime, Kaffir lime, and the Desert lime.

The fruit is similar to lemons in their abundance of vitamin C, and they are often added to food to accentuate flavors. Grown all year round, limes have various genetic origins and do not come from one monophyletic cluster.

Guava

In many tropical and subtropical regions, the guava is a commonly cultivated tropical fruit. The guava tree is native to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and northern South America.

Several related species may also be termed guavas, but they usually belong to other genera.

Source: Hunker.com

Olive

Olives come from a small tree in the Mediterranean Basin. The olive’s fruit is of major agricultural importance to the region as the source of olive oil, one of the core ingredients in Mediterranean cuisine.

Source: Olive Tree Growers

Lychee

Lychee is a tropical tree that comes from the Guangdong and Fujian provinces of China. The evergreen lychee tree grows small fruit, the outside of which is pinkish red, with a rough texture. The outer layer is inedible.

Durian

The exotic Durian fruit is famous for its taste and very unusual and often unbearable smell. The unusual flavor and odor of the fruit have made many people express passionate views ranging from profound approval to intense dislike and even disgust.

Durian trees are quite large (25–50 meters in height), and the leaves are evergreen, have an elliptic shape and several centimeters long. Durian trees only produce fruit and flowers once a year, although the timing differs depending on the species, particular harvesting techniques and geography.

Jackfruit

The jackfruit (scientific name Artocarpus heterophyllus), is called the jack tree, and is a species related to the fig, mulberry and breadfruit family. Most botanists consider its native areas to the western provinces of India and the Borneo rainforests.

The jackfruit tree is best grown in tropical lowlands, and the fruit is considered the largest grown on any tree. A fully-aged jackfruit tree can grow about 100 to 200 fruits in a single year.

Cashew

The cashew tree is an evergreen tree that grows in tropical climates. It produces the cashew seed and apple, which grow together as one fruit. The tree can reach as high as 14 meters, with dwarf varieties, which are more profitable, the primary focus of cultivation.

The species comes from Central America and the Caribbean. The cashew apple is light reddish to yellow in color, and its pulp can be made into fruit or fermented into alcohol. The cashew nut is exported to all corners of the world.

More Types of Fruit Trees

Abiu

Abiu trees are native to the Amazon rainforest. They can grow up to 90 feet tall and have a life span of around 50 years. The tree produces a yellow, orange or red fruit that is about the size of a grapefruit. The flesh of the fruit is sweet and has a gel-like texture.

Abiu trees are an important food source for many animals in the rainforest, including monkeys, birds and sloths. The fruit is also eaten by people in some parts of South America.

The wood of the abiu tree is used to make furniture and other products.

Bael

Bael trees are native to India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. They can grow up to 30 feet tall and have a life span of around 100 years. The tree produces a yellow or green fruit that is about the size of a grapefruit. The flesh of the fruit is sweet and has a gel-like texture.

Bael trees are an important food source for many animals in the wild, including monkeys, birds and sloths. The fruit is also eaten by people in some parts of South Asia.

Ber

Ber trees are native to the Himalayan region. They can grow up to 65 feet tall and have a life span of around 100 years. The tree produces a black fruit that is about the size of a plum. The flesh of the fruit is sweet and has a slightly acidic taste.

Ber trees are an important food source for many animals in the Himalayan region, including bears, birds and monkeys. The fruit is also eaten by people in some parts of Asia.

Carambola

Carambola trees are native to the Indian subcontinent. They can grow up to 20 feet tall and have a life span of around 50 years. The tree produces a yellow or green fruit that is about the size of a grapefruit. The flesh of the fruit is sweet and has a slightly acidic taste.

Carambola trees are also known as starfruit trees because of the shape of their fruits. The fruits are often used as decoration in tropical fruit salads.

Crab Apple

Crab apples are native to Europe, Asia and North America. They can grow up to 50 feet tall and have a life span of around 50 years. The tree produces a small, red or yellow fruit that is about the size of a plum. The flesh of the fruit is sour and acidic.

Elderberry

Elderberry trees are native to Europe, Africa and North America. They can grow up to 50 feet tall and have a life span of around 50 years. The tree produces a small, black fruit that is about the size of a grape. The flesh of the fruit is sweet and has a slightly acidic taste.

Kumquat

Kumquats are a member of the citrus family and are native to China. They can grow up to 10 feet tall and have a life span of around 20 years. The tree produces a small, orange fruit that is about the size of a grape. The flesh of the fruit is sweet and has a slightly acidic taste.

Kumquats are often used in Chinese cooking, and the peel of the fruit is used in making marmalade.

Loquat

Loquats are native to China and Japan. They can grow up to 32 feet tall and have a life span of around 50 years. The tree produces a small, yellow or orange fruit that is about the size of a plum. The flesh is soft and it has a sweet taste.

Loquats are often used in Chinese cooking, and the fruits are sometimes made into jam.

Papaya

Papayas are native to Mexico and Central America. They can grow up to 32 feet tall and have a life span of around 20 years. The tree produces a large, green or yellow fruit that is about the size of a melon. The flesh of the fruit is sweet and has a slightly acidic taste.

Papayas are often used in tropical fruit salads. The leaves of the papaya tree are also used in some traditional medicines.

Pecan

Pecans are a member of the hickory family and are native to North America. They can grow up to 100 feet tall and have a life span of around 100 years. The tree produces a small, brown fruit that is about the size of a grape. The flesh of the fruit is sweet and has a nutty taste.

Pecans are often used in baking, and the oil from the nuts is used in making cosmetics.

Pomelo

Pomelo trees are native to Southeast Asia. They can grow up to 65 feet tall and have a life span of around 50 years. The tree produces a large, green or yellow fruit that is about the size of a melon. The flesh of the fruit is sweet and has a slightly acidic taste.

Pomelos are often used in Asian cooking, and the peel of the fruit is used in making marmalade.

Quince

Quince trees are native to Asia and Europe. They can grow up to 25 feet tall and have a life span of around 50 years. The tree produces a small, yellow or green fruit that is about the size of a pear. The flesh of the fruit is sour and acidic.

Quince fruits are often used in jams and jellies. The peel of the quince fruit is also used in making some types of liquor.

Rambutan

Rambutan have a distinctive hairy red exterior and are native to Southeast Asia. They can grow up to 65 feet tall and have a life span of around 50 years. The tree produces a small, red or yellow fruit that is about the size of a grape. The flesh of the fruit is sweet and has a slightly acidic taste.

Rambutan fruits are often used in Asian cooking, and the peel of the fruit is used in making some types of liquor.

Sapodilla

Sapodilla also known as chiku, is native to Mexico and Central America. They can grow up to 32 feet tall and have a life span of around 50 years. The tree produces a small, brown fruit that is about the size of a plum. The flesh of the fruit is sweet and has a slightly gritty texture.

Sapodilla fruits are often used in jams and jellies. The oil from the seeds is also used in making soap.

Soursop

Soursop is native to tropical regions of North and South America. They can grow up to 30 feet tall and have a life span of around 20 years. The tree produces a large, green or white fruit that is about the size of a melon. The flesh of the fruit is sour and acidic.

Soursop fruits are often used in tropical fruit salads. The leaves of the soursop tree are also used in some traditional medicines.

Sweet Chestnut

Sweet chestnuts are native to Europe and Asia. They can grow up to 130 feet tall and have a life span of around 200 years. The tree produces a large, brown fruit that is about the size of a grape. The flesh of the fruit is sweet and has a nutty taste.

Sweet chestnuts are often used in baking, and the oil from the nuts is used in making cosmetics.

Tamarillo

Tamarillo is native to South America. They can grow up to 30 feet tall and have a life span of around 20 years. The tree produces a small, red or yellow fruit that is about the size of a plum. The flesh of the fruit is tart and acidic.

Tamarillo fruits are often used in jams and jellies. The peel of the fruit is also used in making some types of liquor.

Jamaican Tangelo

Jamaican Tangelo trees are native to Jamaica. They can grow up to 20 feet tall and have a life span of around 20 years. The tree produces a small, orange fruit that is about the size of a grapefruit. The flesh of the fruit is sweet and has a slightly acidic taste.

Jamaican Tangelo fruits are often used in tropical fruit salads. The peel of the Jamaican Tangelo is also used in making some types of liquor.

Walnut

Walnut trees are native to Europe, Asia and North America. They can grow up to 100 feet tall and have a life span of around 200 years. The tree produces a large, brown fruit that is about the size of a grape. The flesh of the fruit is sweet and has a nutty taste.

Walnuts are often used in baking, and the oil from the nuts is used in making cosmetics.

Nectarine Trees

Nectarines are the same species as peaches, Prunus persica — the omain difference is that the outer skin of nectarines lack what we have come to know as peach fuzz.

Source: Chestnut Hill Tree Farm

Dwarf Fruit Trees

A dwarf tree is a small cultivar of a full-sized tree that can yield mature fruit without taking up the same growing space.

All dwarf trees need to grow well is fertile potting, a good water drainage system, and plenty of sun exposure. One example is the dwarf peach plant, aptly named the Prunus persica “Bonanza,” which bears fruit as early as within a year and has self-fertilizing properties.

Source: HGTV Outdoors

Columnar Fruit Trees

Unlike regular trees, columnar trees grow upwards, not out. The best thing about them is that they consume so little horizontal space that they can be grown almost anywhere you wish, if sufficient conditions are met.

The fruit from columnar trees is full-sized, and just as delicious as any other variety. Fruit like cherries, plums, and peaches are also available in this variety, however, they will need to be pruned and plucked at certain points to maintain the spiral structure.

Source: Luv2Garden

Best Types to Grow

As Edible Hedges

Hedges are growing shrubs or bushes that serve as a protective barrier. These boundary plants are thick greenery that typically grows evergreen. However, they may also produce flowers and fruits. The best edible hedges to plant in the US across all zones are blueberries, pomegranates, and rosemary.

These offer a variety of edible produce ranging from berries to large fruits to herbs. By growing multiple types of edible hedges, you can transform a privacy screen into a full-blown salad garden.

In Winter

The winter season brings its own requirements for growing fruit trees. Typically, the spring season is when flowering fruit trees come to bud. However, some fruit trees flower in the winter, which thrive in colder weather. This includes citrus fruits, like oranges and grapefruits, as well as apples, pears, and plums.

Typically, fruiting trees go dormant in winter and do not grow, making the season the best time to plant them. The winter cold causes these trees to lose all their leaves and flowers. This helps these fruit trees shed their old growth and start fresh in the spring.

Drought-Resistant

A drought-resistant fruit tree needs to be able to live and reproduce even in long periods without water. Fig trees, as well as jujube, also known as Chinese dates, are highly drought tolerant.

According to ISA Certified Arborists at Fantasia Gardens, “[Fig and jujube trees] require no supplemental irrigation once established in order to survive.” For gardeners trying to fill a space in a dry climate, drought-resistant fruit trees are the ideal selection.

Pest-Resistant

In a garden that is prone to pests, such as aphids or apple maggots, a pest-resistant tree is the ideal option. Certain fruit trees, including sour cherry, quince, and persimmons, are well suited to resist common garden insects. Notably, these are all sour fruits, which may play a role in the defense against bug infestations.

According to SF Gate, “The pests that do attack persimmons, such as mealybugs and scale, rarely cause serious problems.” Montmorency cherries are the most popular type of sour cherry in the US. These fruit trees are highly resistant to diseases, too.

Foliage / Aesthetics

Growing a fruit tree for its colorful leaves is another reason why these types of trees are so popular for home gardeners. The foliage aesthetics of certain fruit trees have colorful foliage in the autumn season. By the spring, blossoming fruit trees will stand out with their fragrant and beautiful flowers.

One of the best fruit trees for foliage and aesthetics is the American cranberrybush. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, the American cranberrybush has “excellent fall foliage color, which may be yellow, red, orange or burgundy. It is just one of the many attributes of this large and attractive native shrub.”

However, cherry trees are quintessentially one of the most loved flowering tree types in the US and abroad. See cherry trees in the spring, or attend a cherry blossom festival, so that you can appreciate their flowering beauty.

In Shade

Shaded areas receive less full sun and are cooler all season long. Not all fruit trees appreciate shade, but those that do need about six hours of sun each day to produce. The most popular shade trees are pawpaw, native to the US, as well as pears and plums.

These flowering trees also offer shade that helps cool a garden space. Additionally, shade trees can be planted to reduce sunlight on a home, saving on energy costs.

In Northern USA

The best fruit trees in the northern USA are sour cherries, oranges, apples, plums, and pears. These are also, ironically, some of the most popular fruits sold in US stores and restaurants.

However, apples, cherries, and other fruit trees are not native to the US. Gardening Know How explains, “These types of fruit trees originated in the mountains of Central Asia where cold winters are the norm.”

In Northern USA, these fruit trees have been successfully transplanted for centuries. Today, most home gardeners can grow a small orchard containing cherry, pear, apple, and more fruit trees. Such fruit trees will put out fruit successfully in most growing zones in the north and south of the USA.

Where to Buy Fruit Trees Online

FastGrowing Trees

The South Carolina Fast Growing Trees ships its ornamental and fruit trees across the US. They specialize in select fruit trees with well-developed root systems for shipping. Then packed in nutrient-rich soil and placed in custom shipping containers.

Fast Growing Trees has rare exotic fruit trees and the most popular fruit trees. Among the fruit trees shipped are cherry, pear, plum, peach, apple, and many more. Some exotic fruit trees they ship are kiwi, hops, cranberry bushes, and grapes.

Fast Growing Trees ship the appropriate fruit trees based on a state’s climate zone. Also included in shipping is their “30-Day Alive and Thrive” guarantee.

Burpee

Since 1876, Burpee has been delivering fruit trees and seeds to the public. In 1894, Burpee began shipping their new product, the revolutionary “Iceberg Lettuce,”. They have continued developing new, innovative plant and flower products.

Burpee ships various fruit trees, including apples, cherries, figs, peaches, and even jujubes. Burpee ships their fruit trees in containers ideal for the size and age of the tree. They take great care to ensure the tree arrives healthy and is ready to be planted.

They ship their trees when the destination growing zone is appropriate for the plant. If you were curious, a jujube tree is also called a Chinese date tree.

Nature Hills Nursery

Nebraska-based Nature Hills Nursery ships fruit trees and other fruit plants across America. Nature Hills Nursery is a proponent of one of the hottest new trends in “edible landscaping.” This trend in landscaping mixes edible fruit trees and bushes with landscaping plants.

The effect is to create a beautiful yet functional landscape environment. Fruit trees are shipped with well-developed root balls in protective boxes. Also, Nature Hills Nursery treats plants with its exclusive Plant Sentry™ technology.

This exclusive Nature Hills Nursery technology scrutinizes plants for:
• Invasive Plant Pests
• Invasive Plant Species
• Invasive Plant Diseases

GrowOrganic.com

Established in California in 1976, GrowOrganic.com has continued to prosper. GrowOrganic.com is the online arm of Peaceful Valley Farm and Garden Supply. GrowOrganic.com is now the largest supplier of organic gardening and farm supplies in the US.

Also, they often send a huge assortment of bare-root fruit trees across the US. These trees include plums, peaches, nectarines, apricots, apples, cherries, and mulberry trees.

GrowOrganic.com ships bare-root fruit trees two years old and will bear fruit sooner. Bare-root trees are removed from the ground during winter dormancy.

These exposed roots help make for less complicated and expensive shipping. Most of their 150 fruit tree varieties are semi-dwarf for easier fruit harvesting.

Willis Orchard Company

In Georgia, Willis Orchard Company ships fruit trees and plants throughout the US. Depending on the maturity of the tree shipped, the tree could have grown fruit before. This ensures they are ready to produce fruit.

Fruit trees are boxed in a “semi-bare-root” condition where the soil has been removed. The soil is replaced with a moisture gel called Terrasob. Eliminating moist soil saves shipping costs and makes the tree lighter when planting.

Sow Exotic

Sow Exotic began as a small nursery in Florida in 2016. They since grew to be one of the largest growers of exotic and rare edible and medicinal trees and plants in the US. Some unique tropical fruit trees are guava, kwai muk, starfruit, tamarind, and allspice.

Sow Exotic plants include muscadine, jicama, Thai eggplant, passion fruit, and dragon fruit. All fruit trees and plants come in various pot shapes and sizes. Since they are living plants, they ship in special biodegradable planting containers. Plants can ship to all 50 states and some territories.

Gurneys Seeds and Nursery

Based in Indiana, Gurneys Seeds and Nursery was founded in 1866. They ship fruit trees throughout the US. Gurneys considers the customer’s need then ships the appropriate fruit trees and plants. Among the fruit trees shipped are cherry, pear, peach, plum, apple, and apricot.

Sometimes the customer desires a dwarf fruit tree, a tree growing in a patio pot, or a regular-size fruit tree. And only after the best trees are selected for shipping to ensure getting the best. Dwarf or reachable fruit trees begin bearing fruit sooner than standard-sized trees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you put on fruit trees to keep bugs off?

If you have noticed bugs on your fruit trees lately then you need to get an insecticide spray that offers a variety of ingredients to fight these pests. Because you could have different pests on each tree, you want a spray that will target all of them at once.

Which fruit trees can grow in pots?

There are a few fruit trees that can grow in large pots. They include apple, peach, fig and nectarine trees. They are ideal for patios in pots that give you the shade you need and the fruit you want.

What size of pot for patio fruit trees?

If you are planning to pot your fruit trees, you want a patio pot that is at least 10 gallons in the smaller size. For best practice and a chance at healthy trees, a 20 or 25 gallon will give your fruit tree the room it needs for substantial root development.

What fruit trees are deer resistant?

While there are some fruit trees that will attract deer to your property, there are some that are deer resistant. These trees include fig, ginkgo biloba, sugar maple, persimmons and honey locust trees.

Can you use grey water on fruit trees?

It is absolutely safe to use grey water or use laundry water on your fruit trees. Reusing grey water for your fruit trees keeps them hydrated and reduces the amount of water you use regularly. This water will include detergent and soaps, but there is no adverse effect to the fruit trees from this grey water unless you use a strong chemical like bleach which could burn the roots.

When to plant fruit trees?

The best time of the year to plant your fruit trees each year is in the spring. This is because the trees have an opportunity to get acquainted with the soil and adjust to rising temperatures. Planting any other time in the year could shock the tree and cause it to die.

When to prune fruit trees?

If you are concerned about pruning your fruit trees, plan to do this late in the winter. The last two weeks of February are great for pruning because it encourages new growth in the tree. Like planting in the spring, these pruned trees have the opportunity to become familiar and comfortable with the changing temperatures.

Are fruit trees fast-growing?

Fruit trees tend to grow faster than hardier trees. In most cases, your fruit trees will grow within three to five years, depending on which tree it is and the environment where it is growing.

Will fruit trees grow in rocky soil?

Rocky soil is not the ideal option for growing fruit trees, but there are a few varieties that are more tolerable in these conditions. If you have rocky soil, consider growing cherry, olive, fig, peach, apricot or plum trees.

Do fruit trees lose their leaves in winter?

Since the majority of the fruit trees in your garden are deciduous, you can expect them to lose their leaves in the winter months. This is why pruning is a great idea at the end of winter just before spring.

Which fruit trees are self-pollinating?

Certain fruit trees are self-pollinating including apricot, nectarine, peach and sour cherry trees. Other self-pollinating trees and shrubs include blueberries, figs, nectarines, apricots and most citrus trees.

These trees do not require a pollinator, so they are considered easier to grow and harvest. Self-pollinators are especially beneficial if you don’t have a lot of space for an orchard or are new to gardening.

Fruit trees that do require pollinators include apple, pear, plum, and sweet cherry trees.

Are fruit trees deciduous?

Almost all types of fruit trees are either evergreen or deciduous, but the bulk of fruit trees are considered to be deciduous.

This means that the trees bloom in the spring and the summer and lose all of their leaves during the fall.

The trees will stay bare during the winter months, and they rely on the cold temperatures to help them produce flowers and fruit when the temperatures rise.

After spring arrives, the deciduous fruit trees produce leaves and flowers and repeat their life cycle. These trees need regular pruning to ensure that they produce the best harvest.