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Mother Orange Tree
Oroville, California, United States
You don’t have to go far to get up close and personal to a majestic relic of California’s Gold Rush; just head to the California State Park Northern Buttes Headquarters in Oroville, where you’ll find the Mother Orange Tree, the oldest living orange tree in California.
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The Mother Orange Tree is the oldest living orange tree in California, having been planted in Bidwell's Bar in 1856.
400 Glen Dr
Oroville, CA
Judge Joseph Lewis of Sacramento was the original buyer, and the tree was first planted in Bidwell’s Bar, a gold mining camp just northeast of Oroville founded by John Bidwell. The tree, which is officially a Mediterranean sweet orange Citrus x sinensis cultivar, was merely two years old when it was acquired in Mazatlan, Mexico, back in 1856.
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The tree quickly became a fan favorite of miners in the area as it grew to over 60 feet tall and produced around 600lbs of fruit each year
400 Glen Dr
Oroville, CA
More than that, though, it served as proof that citrus trees could thrive in a climate like Butte County’s. By 1863, 75 acres of orange trees had been planted across the county. That number ballooned to 3,300 acres by 1900, with 50,000 orange trees being planted in Oroville alone by 1888.
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The Mother Orange Tree has been relocated twice: once in 1862 due to flooding & again in 1964 due to construction of the Oroville Dam
400 Glen Dr
Oroville, CA
More recently, the tree suffered from frost in 1998 and had its survival threatened before eventually resuming fruit production. For something that literally sets down roots, this California Historical Landmark sure has been on the move over the years.
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The Mother Orange Tree is a living landmark that is steeped in historical significance dating back to the infancy of Butte County.
400 Glen Dr
Oroville, CA
And while it’s illegal to pick oranges from the Mother Orange Tree, whatever falls to the ground is fair game. So if you’re in the area, it’s absolutely worth the pit stop. But this beautiful, venerable bit of natural history is worth the drive alone—and maybe you’ll even get to taste a bit of history.
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Swipe up and tap "More Details" to learn more about the Mother Orange Tree and other top Oroville attractions.
400 Glen Dr
Oroville, CA
If you haven't already, make sure you swipe up on the previous slides for more in-depth information about this Northern California hidden gem.