Edible forest garden: 7 fruit trees that are both unusual and hardy

This deciduous bush can reach up to 3 metres in height and width, forming a dense, spreading shrub. Its foliage, which can be semi-evergreen in mild climates, bears ovate leaves. Cream-white to pale yellow star-shaped flowers appear in spring, attracting bees with their fragrance. The fruits, or drupes, ripen in summer, transitioning from orange to cherry red. They are valued for their sweet-tart flavour and are also rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

The Goumi is particularly well-suited to poor soil, as its root system, similar to that of the Fabaceae, helps to improve the soil. It is recommended to plant several bushes for a larger harvest, although the shrub is self-fertile. It integrates perfectly into an informal, cottage or fruit hedge, thanks to its vigour, frost resistance and great adaptability. It is ideal for coastal gardens or windy regions.

Kiwai, or Actinidia arguta, differs from kiwifruit by its small size and smooth, hairless skin, which allows it to be eaten whole. As big as a small plum, it offers a very aromatic flesh, fairly sweet, even if it has a hint of acidity, less pronounced than that of kiwifruit. Vitamin C content, well known in kiwifruit, is reportedly even higher in Kiwai. Very productive, a single plant can produce up to 100 kg of fruit once mature. Although of exotic origin, Kiwai grows very well in most regions of France, provided it benefits from full sun exposure and warmth.

Kiwai cultivation follows the same principles as traditional kiwifruit. This climbing plant requires sturdy support for its lianas. Being dioecious, the presence of male varieties is essential to pollinate female varieties, although self-fertile varieties exist, offering the possibility of isolated cultivation with slightly lower productivity. What makes Kiwai particularly attractive is its great hardiness. Originating from the forest regions of China, Japan and Russia, it tolerates temperatures down to -25 °C, thus suitable for cultivation in areas with harsh winters.

Harvesting kiwai takes place in late summer or early autumn, before that of traditional kiwifruit, and these fruits store well in cool conditions. This species thus offers an interesting and robust alternative for fruit enthusiasts, rich in vitamins, able to adapt to a wide range of climates.

To ensure good pollination, it is recommended to plant at least two specimens, the tree not being self-fertile. Pollination is mainly carried out by certain insects such as common houseflies, blowflies or beetles. The flowers, which develop in the axil of the leaves during summer, open in the following spring, usually in April. They are purple, bell-shaped and measure about 5 cm in diameter.

The pawpaw tree can reach a height of 5 to 10 metres with a spread of 3 to 5 metres. With proper pruning, it is possible to keep the tree at a height of 3 metres with a width of 2 to 2.5 metres. Very hardy, the pawpaw can withstand temperatures down to -25°C. However, it needs warmth to fruit well, and at present this occurs only in regions with a mild climate, from the Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean basin.

The Asimina triloba ‘Shenandoah Peterson®’ is renowned for the exceptional flavour of its fruits

Lycium Barbarum, commonly known as Goji berry or Barbarian Lycium, is a deciduous bush that produces oval red-orange berries, sweet and mildly tart, renowned for their exceptional nutritional properties and their richness in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Belonging to the Solanaceae family, like tomatoes and potatoes, the origin of the Lycium barbarum has long been debated. Although traditionally associated with China, recent research suggests it may originate from the Mediterranean basin, a hypothesis supported by its species epithet ‘barbarum’, referring to Barbary, or North Africa. This shrub has an upright and spreading habit, reaching 1.5 to 3 metres in height depending on growing conditions, with growth that is moderately rapid. Its deciduous, thick and leathery leaves shift from bright green to grey-green as they mature.

The flowering, which takes place from June to July, attracts numerous pollinators with its abundant nectar. The flowers, ranging from dark pink to purple, give rise to oval berries, rich in nutrients. It is advised to harvest these fully ripe berries and consume them dried to reduce the solanine content.

Goji is also an aesthetic choice. Its long shoots allow easy trellising, making it ideal for a cottage garden hedge or in association with other flowering and fruiting shrubs. Its drought tolerance and hardiness make it a plant adaptable to various climates in France, promising good productivity in rich and moist soils.

With rapid growth in fertile soil, it reaches about 4 m in height and spread at maturity, with a bushy habit. Its very thorny branches bear leaves that release a spicy, lemony aroma when rubbed. The inconspicuous flowering in May–June gives way to spherical fruits, of which only the outer husk is eaten. The plant is self-fertile, but fruit production improves with several plants planted.

In cooking, the berries of Sichuan pepper should not be confused with pink peppercorns from South America. They are used to flavour a range of dishes, offering a unique, lemony flavour. It integrates well into a free-standing or protective hedge, thanks to its thorny branches, and can become a striking specimen when planted as a standalone feature, away from foot traffic.

Originating in damp regions of the Northern Hemisphere, hops have rough stems that can reach over 10 m in a season. Their leaves, divided into oval lobes, accompany distinct inflorescences depending on the plant’s sex, appearing from June to August. Female cones, golden and resinous, are harvested in September and contribute to the aroma and bitterness of beer.

Hops can camouflage unsightly structures and blend into plantings with other climbing plants. The cones, harvested in September, are also used in dried bouquets.

Used since the 8th century to flavour and preserve beer, hops continue to be prized for their flavour, despite technological advances. Their dried cones were also used in pillows to aid sleep. The young shoots and young leaves of hops are edible.

Evergreen and highly ornamental, the strawberry tree adopts a compact bush habit. Its evergreen leaves, elliptical and slightly dentate on the margins, are a dark glossy green on the upper surface. The reddish-brown bark of its shoots and trunk peels away in fine ribbons. The melliferous flowers appear in late August and, a year later, give rise to fruits that are yellow then red, the size of small strawberries, about 3 cm in diameter, particularly valued for making jams once ripe.

Hardy to -15°C, Arbutus unedo prospers in well-drained, acidic soil, under direct sun or partial shade, protected from cold winds. An initial pruning is recommended at planting, after which it is advised to let the bush develop freely. During its early years, it is prudent to protect it from severe frosts with mulch and a winter protection fleece. It is important to choose its location well from the start, as it does not transplant well.

Used in informal hedge, as a specimen plant or in a border, Arbutus unedo is also recognised for its medicinal properties, particularly in the treatment of hypertension.