10 Unconventional Fruit Trees for the Backyard Orchard

Growing a backyard orchard is great fun, and there are loads of conventional fruit trees to put in it. Cherry, apple, pear, and peach are classics; while others like figs and plums always fit into the mix as well.

These are fruits we are very familiar with, know, and love, hence their popularity. With the exception maybe of fresh figs, we can readily find them in the supermarket. When planting an orchard, it makes sense to take a look at these fruit trees to see if they fit within your USDA growing zone.

But, sometimes growing an orchard can also be about growing those fruits we are less likely to find in the run-of-the-mill produce section. There are lots of fruits that, if we don’t grow them at home, we aren’t likely to eat them very often.

Why, then, should we deny ourselves some tasty, albeit unusual, treats when planting out a backyard fruit orchard? I can’t think of any reason not to!

1. Beach Plum

Native to the northeast coast of the US, beach plums (Prunus maritima) are actually shrubs, not trees, that grow to about six feet high and wide. Growing naturally on coastal beach dunes, they tolerate sandy soil but can perform even better in rich soils. It has tart little fruits that are typically used to make jam, but fans like to eat them fresh as well.

2. Elderberry

Another fruit-bearing shrub native to the US, elderberries can get up to 20 feet tall but usually top at about 12 feet. They are ideal for planting in wet areas, such as low spots in the yard or along drainage ditches. The berries aren’t really to be eaten fresh, but they are renowned for using in jams, pies, and wines.

3. Hawthorn

A member of the rose family, as are apples and pears, the hawthorn tree, despite its thorny disposition, is a quality addition to an orchard. It has high medicinal value, and it can be eaten fresh or put into preserves, wines, and so on. The fruit is called a haw, looks like a large rosehip, and—like apples—has toxic seeds.

4. Jujubes

Cultivated for over 4,000 years in China, jujubes are compared to dates, and they can be enjoyed both fresh and dried. These trees, which get to about 30 feet tall, are also planted as ornamentals, but they can provide 100 pounds of fruit in a year. Jujubes are suitable from USDA Zone 5 – 10, so they can be grown just about anywhere in the contiguous US.

5. Medlar

A popular fruit in medieval times, the medlar is said to have the flavor and texture reminiscent of pureed apple. Like the apple (and hawthorn), it is a member of the rose family. The trees/shrubs grow to about 25 feet tall and 20 feet wide, and the fruit ripens very late in the season, towards the end of fall.

6. Mulberry

There are many reasons to plant a mulberry tree, one of them being that fresh mulberries are only available to those who grow them (or know someone who does). Mulberry trees can vary greatly in size, but there are dwarf varieties available for those doing backyard orchards. This is a delicious fruit, and the tree also has edible leaves for uses similar to grape leaves.

7. Pawpaw

American pawpaws are the largest fruit native to the United States. They are from the same family as custard apple, soursop, and cherimoya, all of which are beloved tropical fruits. Pawpaws, however, are better suited to the temperate climate of the US. The fruits are very soft and sweet, with hints of banana, peach, and pineapple.

8. Persimmon

There are very large, wild persimmon trees native to the US (common persimmons) and smaller trees that have been cultivated in Asia for millennia. Common persimmons don’t work in most orchards, but Asian persimmons do and are more versatile. The trick with persimmons, which are crazy delicious, is to make sure they are ripe, which usually means quite soft.

9. Quince

Highly regarded in the US for its ornamental properties (beautiful flowers and gnarly woody), the quince is beloved elsewhere in the world as a choice fruit. Quince trees stay small, only about 15 feet at maturity. They have a bit of reputation as being disease-prone, which can be something to take into consideration before going the quince route.

10. Serviceberry

An early-blooming plant, serviceberry trees are famous for their white blooms in springtime, and they also produce berries that are quite similar to blueberries. These trees are agreeable to growing in a multitude of situations, and they stay relatively small. They can also tolerate some shade and still produce fruit.

Most of the fruits on this list will grow in most parts of the United States. They are great additions to orchards and food forests, providing something a little out of the ordinary and worthy of conversation. That’s half the fun of growing a garden!

Related Content:

• 7 Winter Care Tips for Fruit Trees
• Why You Should Plant Fruit Trees in the Yard and How to Do It
• Why You Should Prune Your Fruit Trees Before Spring (and Tips on How to Do It)
• 7 Trees That Fruit in Winter
• Korean Dogwoods: Temperate Trees with Tropical Fruits

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