Oklahoma is home to a variety of wild fruit trees such as, American Persimmon, Hackberry trees, Mulberry trees, wild peach trees, Pawpaw, and Wild Plums.
In this blog, we will take a closer look at the different types of wild fruit trees in Oklahoma, the best ways to harvest and use them, and some delicious recipes to try.
So come along and discover the wild side of Oklahoma’s fruit trees.
Types Of Wild Fruit Trees In Oklahoma
- American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) – The American persimmon is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 80 feet tall. It has dark green, glossy leaves and small, greenish-yellow flowers that bloom in the spring. The fruit, which ripens in the fall, is a bright orange color and can be quite large, up to 2 inches in diameter. The flesh of the fruit is sweet and juicy, and can be eaten fresh or used in cooking. You can check them out on Amazon, Persimmon tree.
- Hackberry Tree (Celtis occidentalis) – The hackberry tree is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 50 feet tall. It has dark green, rough-textured leaves and small, greenish-white flowers that bloom in the spring. The fruit, which ripens in the fall, is a small, red or yellow berry that is slightly sweet and tart. The fruit can be eaten fresh or used in jams and jellies.
- Mulberry Tree (Morus spp.) – The mulberry tree is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 60 feet tall. It has large, lobed leaves and small, greenish-white flowers that bloom in the spring. The fruit, which ripens in the summer, is a black or red berry that is sweet and juicy. The fruit can be eaten fresh or used in baking and preserves. You can check them out on Amazon here, Mulberry Tree.
- Persimmon Tree (Diospyros spp.) – The persimmon tree is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 50 feet tall. It has dark green, glossy leaves and small, greenish-white flowers that bloom in the spring. The fruit, which ripens in the fall, is a bright orange color and can be quite large, up to 2 inches in diameter. The flesh of the fruit is sweet and juicy, and can be eaten fresh or used in cooking.
- Wild Peach Tree (Prunus persica) – This small tree can be found growing wild in Oklahoma’s wooded areas. The fruit is similar in size and taste to domestic peaches, but with a slightly rougher skin. The leaves are oval-shaped and have serrated edges. The tree’s bark is smooth and gray in color. You can check them out on Amazon here, Peach Trees.
- Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) – The pawpaw tree is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It has large, green leaves and small, maroon flowers that bloom in the spring. The fruit, which ripens in the fall, is a large, green to brown fruit that has a custard-like flesh. The fruit can be eaten fresh or used in baking and preserves.
- Wild Plums (Prunus americana, Prunus angustifolia) – Wild plums are small to medium-sized trees that can grow up to 30 feet tall. They have a dark green leaves, white or pink flowers that bloom in the spring, and small, red or purple fruit that ripens in the summer. The fruit can be eaten fresh or used in jams and jellies.
Each of these wild fruit trees are unique and have their own characteristics, and identification can be done by the physical appearance of the tree, leaves, flowers, and fruit.
They are generally found in woodlands, along stream banks and in other wild areas, and can be enjoyed by foragers and nature lovers who are looking for a delicious and unique taste of wild fruit.
[Related Article: 6 Types Of Wild Fruit Trees In Mississippi]
Harvesting and Using Wild Fruit
When it comes to harvesting wild fruit, timing is everything.
Here is a general guide for when to harvest some of the wild fruit trees found in Oklahoma:
- Wild Peach: late June to early July
- Hackberry: late August to early September
- Mulberry: late May to early June
- Persimmons: late September to early October
- Pawpaw: late August to early September
- Wild Plums: mid-July to mid-August
It’s important to note that these are just general guidelines and the exact timing may vary depending on the specific location and weather conditions.
Always check the fruit for ripeness before picking, as overripe or underripe fruit may not be suitable for eating or preserving.
When harvesting wild fruit, it’s crucial to practice safe and sustainable methods. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Only harvest from trees that are on public land or that you have permission to pick from.
- Avoid over-harvesting from any one area, as this can damage the tree and its ability to produce fruit in future years.
- Be mindful of any wildlife that may be dependent on the fruit, and leave enough for them to eat as well.
Once harvested, wild fruit can be used in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Fresh-eating: Wild peaches, plums, and persimmons make great fresh-eating fruit. Simply wash and enjoy!
- Preserving: Wild fruit can be made into jams, jellies, and preserves. They are also great for freezing or drying.
- Baking: Wild fruit can be used in pies, tarts, and cobblers.
- Drinks: Wild fruit can be used to make wine or to infuse in vinegar.
With the right knowledge and a little bit of effort, wild fruit trees in Oklahoma can provide a delicious and unique addition to any forager’s bounty.
