The Blue Sausage Fruit Tree (Decaisnea fargesii), also called the Dead Man’s Fingers Tree, is a rare ornamental and edible species known for its striking blue, sausage-shaped fruits and graceful compound leaves. These non-GMO seeds produce a hardy deciduous shrub or small tree that thrives in temperate climates and adds a tropical, exotic appeal to any garden.
Native to the Himalayas and western China, this species is prized for both its unusual blue fruit pods—filled with edible, jelly-like pulp—and its elegant ornamental value. The Blue Sausage Fruit Tree is perfect for collectors, landscape designers, and gardeners looking for something truly unique.
Key Features
- Produces exotic blue fruit pods with edible pulp
- Hardy, cold-tolerant, and non-GMO seed variety
- Distinctive ornamental tree with lush, fern-like foliage
- Perfect for unique landscape focal points or botanical collections
- Easy to grow and low-maintenance once established
Specifications
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Blue Sausage Fruit / Dead Man’s Fingers |
| Scientific Name | Decaisnea fargesii |
| Plant Type | Deciduous Tree or Large Shrub |
| Growth Habit | Upright with spreading canopy |
| Heirloom | Yes |
| GMO Status | Non-GMO |
| Organic | Naturally untreated seed form |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | 5–9 |
| Sunlight Requirement | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Soil Type | Moist, well-drained loam |
| Soil pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Season | Best planted in spring or early fall |
| Watering | Moderate; prefers evenly moist soil |
| Days to Germination | 30–60 days (requires cold stratification) |
| Mature Height | 10–20 feet |
| Spread | 8–15 feet |
| Flower Color | Yellow-green clusters in late spring |
| Fruit Color | Blue pod-like fruit (edible pulp) |
| Pollination | Self-fertile but improved yield with cross-pollination |
| Maintenance | Low; prune after fruiting to maintain shape |
Planting Guide
- Seed Preparation: Cold-stratify seeds in moist sand or peat for 60–90 days at 35–40°F.
- Planting Depth: Sow seeds ½ inch deep in moist, well-drained soil.
- Temperature: Maintain soil at 65–75°F for germination after stratification.
- Transplanting: Move seedlings outdoors in partial sun once frost danger passes.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy during establishment.
- Care: Mulch to retain moisture and prune lightly in late winter or early spring.