6 Fruit Trees That Can Flourish in Rocky Soil, According to Gardening Experts

Fig Tree

Master gardener Mary Jane Duford says that certain tree species with deep roots often thrive in rocky soil because they can access moisture and nutrients from below. The fig tree (Ficus carica), for example, is well known for its extensive, deep roots that tap into underground moisture and nutrients. 

For a better harvest, Glassey recommends amending the soil before planting fig trees in rocky terrain. Mixing in compost or aged manure improves water retention and nutrient availability. Your figs will reward you with sweet, honey-like fruit that you can enjoy fresh, dried, or preserved.

• Zones: 5 to 10
• Size: 15 feet tall × 12 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil rich in organic matter; adaptable to various soil types

Persimmon Tree

Persimmons (Diospyros virginiana) have a deep taproot and lateral feeder roots, which allow them to draw nutrients and water from different soil depths, allowing them to withstand rocky conditions. Once established, they’re impressively drought-tolerant, and their fruit, when ripe, offers a delicious, honey-like flavor.

• Zones: 4 to 11
• Size: 30 feet tall × 30 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil

Mulberry Tree

Mulberries (Morus alba) produce abundant, berry-like fruit beloved by people and wildlife. Plus, they grow quickly, offering shade and beauty within just a few seasons. "Mulberry is hardy and productive, even in marginal soils," says Glassey.

Duford adds that once established, these drought-resistant trees can get quite large. Their deep and lateral root systems not only help them thrive in rocky conditions but can also improve soil structure over time. 

• Zones: 4 to 8
• Size: 30 feet tall × 30 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil

Olive Tree

Olive trees (Olea europaea) are known to live a long time—potentially thousands of years—and are even able to regenerate after sustaining damage. So it should come as no surprise that these timeless beauties are adaptable to challenging terrain.

"More drought-tolerant species, especially Mediterranean, are appropriate in rocky soil," Duford says. With a deep taproot and shallow surface roots, olives thrive in lean, rocky soils with excellent drainage, Glassey notes. 

• Zones: 8 to 10
• Size: 30 feet tall × 15 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil; medium moisture

Pomegranate Tree

Pomegranate trees (Punica granatum) are drought-tolerant and adaptable to poor soils, Glassey says. Another native of the Mediterranean, it’s naturally suited to hot, dry conditions and thrives in well-draining, rocky soils. Glassey suggests adding compost before planting to help boost organic matter, which is often lacking in rocky terrain.

• Zones: 8 to 11
• Size: 20 feet tall × 15 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil

Serviceberry

Native to the U.S., serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) does well in tough soils and rewards gardeners with delicious berries, Glassey says. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant and relatively low-maintenance, though Duford notes it still needs regular pruning and sucker removal. 

• Zones: 2 to 9
• Size: 25 feet tall × 15 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil