Kinds of Fruit Trees in Oklahoma

It is not difficult to find a large variety of fruit trees growing in the state of Oklahoma. Between its temperate continental and humid subtropical climates, fruit trees thrive in Oklahoma's forestry, park grounds, farms and privately owned residential areas. These fruit trees--mostly indigenous to the area--are able to weather the climactic shifts from extremely hot summers to very cold winters.

Pecans

Pecan trees (Carya illinoinensis) grow well in Oklahoma. Belonging to the Juglandaceae (walnut or butternut) family, pecans grow in the southeastern region of North America, as far north as Iowa. After the winter dormancy period, pecan trees grow in the spring through summer seasons, reaching up to 120 feet at mature height. Its yellow flowers bloom in early spring, and its brown fruit--the pecans--form and mature into the fall. Pecan trees need full sun exposure and moist soil, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Apples

Apple trees (Malus spp.) are popular in Oklahoma. They belong to the Rosaceae, or rose, family and grow throughout most of North America, as far north as Alaska. Apple trees grow to about 30 feet at mature height. The tree blooms in the spring, and its fruit ripens in the fall. Apple trees require full sun exposure and moist soil.

Peaches

Peach trees (Prunus persica) are often grown in Oklahoma. A member of the Rosaceae, or rose, family, the peach tree grows up to 25 feet at mature height. They need full sun exposure and moist, well-drained soil. According to the National Gardening Association, peach trees grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 8, which includes Oklahoma at Zone 7a.

Chinese Pistache

A member of the Anacardiaceae, or cashew, family, Chinese pistache (Pistacia chinensis) is a common non-native fruit tree that grows in Oklahoma. The tree grows to 35 feet in height and has a similiar spread. The red flowers of the Chinese pistache tree bloom in the spring, followed by the formation of its small round fruit. The tree requires well-drained soil, is highly drought-tolerant, and thrives in full sun to partial shade. In the fall, its leaves turn a vibrant orange or red.

Black Cherry

Black cherry (Prunus serotina) belongs to the Rosaceae, or rose, family. It is a perennial tree native to North America, and is distributed throughout its eastern region and British Columbia in the west. Black cherry is a popular fruit tree found in Oklahoma. It grows in the spring through summer seasons, reaching a mature height of 80 feet. Its small white blossoms bloom in late spring, followed by the formation of its edible black fruit, which ripen in the summer. Black cherry trees require full sun exposure and rich, moist to moderately dry soil.

Green Hawthorn

Green hawthorn (Crataegus viridis) is a perennial tree of the Rosaceae, or rose, family. Native to the United States, this fruit tree is distributed in the south central to eastern regions of North America, including Oklahoma. Green hawthorn grows in the spring and summertime, reaching up to 30 feet at mature height. Its white flowers bloom in early spring and its edible fruit ripen into the fall. Green hawthorn grows best in full sun and moist soil.