6 Fruit Trees That Are Prolific Even in Shady Gardens, According to Experts You don’t need full sun to grow these delicious fruit trees. Close Credit: Getty Images You might be surprised to learn that not every fruit-bearing tree needs full sun to yield delicious fruit. While sunlight is essential for plant growth, several types of fruit trees can flourish beautifully in partial shade. Ahead, fruit tree experts share fruit trees that will brighten up your shady areas and provide you with delicious, home-grown fruit, from succulent figs to sweet persimmons. Kristi Baldini of Windswept Gardens in Bangor, Maine David Fried, owner of Elmore Roots Nursery in Vermont 15 Fast-Growing Fruit Trees That Will Yield a Delicious Harvest in No Time 01 of 06 Pawpaw Credit: Missouri Botanical Garden Pawpaw trees (Asimina triloba) are a type of deciduous understory tree with large, drooping leaves that turn bright yellow in fall. "It’s prized for its custard-like textured fruits that taste like banana and mango," says Kristi Baldini of Windswept Gardens. Come spring, dark purple flowers blanket the tree. Pawpaw is generally resistant to pests and diseases. Zones: 5 to 8Size: 15 to 20 feet tall × 15 to 20 feet wideCare requirements: Partial shade; well-drained soil 02 of 06 Serviceberry Credit: Orchidpoet/Getty Images Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) is an understory tree that bursts with white spring blossoms, followed by red berries that darken to black-blue, says Baldini. It offers multiple seasons of interest and is beloved by wildlife. When ripe, the flavor profile of the fruit is often described as sweet and tart, with subtle almond undertones. The tree is relatively low-maintenance, but overwatering can lead to root rot. Zones: 2 to 9Size: 15 to 25 feet tall × 15 to 25 feet wide.Care requirements: Partial shade to full sun; well-drained soil 03 of 06 American Persimmon Credit: Missouri Botanical Garden American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is a hardy, deciduous tree recognized by its distinctive dark-gray, blocky bark. It features glossy green leaves and produces sweet orange fruits in the fall. The fruit tastes rich and sweet, offering a flavor profile reminiscent of honey or caramel. According to Baldini, this tree thrives in full sunlight but is also shade-tolerant, making it well-suited for understory conditions. The fruit is astringent (has a dry, puckering, or rough sensation in the mouth) when immature and should not be eaten until it's fully ripe. Zones: 5 to 9Size: 30 to 50 feet tall × 20 to 35 feet wide.Care requirements: Partial shade to full sun; well-drained soil How to Eat a Persimmon—and How to Know if Yours Is Ripe 04 of 06 Loquat Credit: Getty / BLK_Design The loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is an evergreen subtropical tree that thrives in shady areas. It has glossy leaves and bears clusters of sweet, golden-orange fruit in the spring. The loquat's unique flavor is a delightful combination of sweetness and slight tartness, often described as resembling a blend of peach, citrus, and mild mango. According to Baldini, this tree is well-suited for partially shaded locations and can be used effectively for patio screening. Zones: 7 to 10Size: 12 to 15 feet tall × 12 to 15 feet wide.Care requirements: Partial shade to full sun; well-drained soil 05 of 06 Fig Credit: Olgo Gont / Getty Images The fig tree (Ficus carica) is valued for its sweet fruit and attractive leaves. This deciduous plant can grow as a small tree or a large shrub, featuring broad, lobed foliage and sweet figs that ripen in the summer. Baldini notes it thrives in full sun or dappled shade, which makes it a versatile choice for understory plantings. Figs are delicious fresh and dried, offering a sweet flavor profile with notes of honey, berries, and a hint of nuttiness. Zones: 6 to 9Size: 10 to 20 ft tall × 10 to 20 ft wide Care requirements: Partial shade to full sun; well-drained soil 5 Drought-Tolerant Fruit Trees That Can Thrive in Dry Weather 06 of 06 Hazelbert Credit: Getty Images The 'Hazelbert' tree is a hybrid nut tree created by crossing the American hazelnut (Corylus americana) with the European hazelnut (Corylus avellana). According to David Fried, owner of Elmore Roots Nursery, this nut tree thrives in partial shade. It is often described as a small tree or a tall shrub and features attractive foliage that turns a vibrant orange-red in the fall. This characteristic makes it an excellent choice for windbreaks and edible hedges. Additionally, the tree produces large nuts, often double or triple the size of American hazelnuts. Zones: 3 to 6Size: 8 to 10 feet tall x 8 to 13 feet wide Care requirements: Partial shade to full sun; well-drained soil Explore more: Garden