Tree of 40 Fruits

Between the Atheneum and the Double Log Cabin, there are two trees that are extraordinary living works of art by Sam Van Aken, a sculptor and art professor at Syracuse University.  Installed in New Harmony in 2016, each is a  “Tree of 40 Fruit.”   The name comes from the fact that the trees have had branches from different trees grafted on to them over a period of time.  All the grafts are from stone fruits. 

The result is amazing.  Different branches have different leaves and flowers — and different fruit.  Each unique hybridized fruit tree  grows over forty different types of stone fruit including peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines, cherries, and almonds. Primarily composed of native and antique varieties the Tree of 40 Fruit are a form of conservation, preserving heirloom stone fruit varieties that are not commercially produced or available.     The trees were procured for New Harmony by the University of Indiana’s Historic New Harmony with funding from the Efroymson Family Fund.

Watch the video and pictures below to learn more, but definitely you will want to see them for yourself.

You will find the two trees between the Roofless Church and the Atheneum Visitor’s Center.