What are the Hershey Trees?
We hear the term “Hershey Trees” tossed around a lot—by us, by others in related fields, and by local volunteers. But what exactly are they? Why do they matter? And do they actually have anything to do with chocolate?
John Hershey, a Downingtown resident for 50 years and an early pioneer of permaculture, began experimenting with tree crops and genetics around 1921. Unlike conventional farmers focused on annual grains, Hershey believed that trees could play a much bigger role in agriculture. He established a nursery along Business Route 30, where he bred high-yielding, resilient trees that could provide long-term food security for both livestock and people. His work was shaped by the devastation of the Dust Bowl—he saw firsthand how soil erosion and monoculture farming practices could lead to disaster. His solution? A landscape filled with productive, low-maintenance tree crops that could withstand environmental pressures and reduce reliance on traditional grain-based feed.
And no, the trees have nothing to do with chocolate—though plenty of time has been spent confirming that John Hershey and Milton Hershey were, in fact, distant relatives (5th cousins, once removed). What John did cultivate, however, were some of the most remarkable tree crops imaginable: walnuts the size of softballs, honey locust pods stretching up to 30 inches and containing 40% sugar, and persimmons that were sweeter and larger than standard varieties. These weren’t just interesting botanical experiments—they were practical, high-calorie food sources designed to supplement farm feed and, by extension, human diets.
Today, approximately 50 of Hershey’s original trees from the 1920s still stand along Plaza Drive. Predominantly hickory, they are interspersed with honey locust, chestnut, persimmon, and oak, arranged in diagonal rows that once stretched across the area. Many of these trees bear signs of grafting—some multiple times—evidence of Hershey’s relentless pursuit of improvement. Each graft represents an effort to refine desirable traits like faster growth, higher yields, and greater resilience. Unlike conventional reforestation, which focuses on restoring tree cover, Hershey’s plantings were about maximizing productivity. He grafted the best varieties onto strong rootstocks, ensuring that each generation of trees was better than the last.
While Plaza Drive offers the most accessible remnant of Hershey’s work, additional trees from his experiments still exist elsewhere. About 100 trees remain at his former Guthriesville nursery, and just this past summer, we—along with the Downingtown Shade Tree Commission—identified another 35 trees in and around St. John Vianney Hospital. Unfortunately, neither of these sites is currently open to visitors, but their presence serves as an important reminder of Hershey’s enduring impact on the region’s landscape.
Hershey’s work was decades ahead of its time. His orchard was designed to provide high-nutrient, perennial crops that, as it happens, are entirely safe for human consumption. Hickories, chestnuts, persimmons, and honey locust pods offered a reliable, natural food source for livestock while also being perfectly edible for people. By integrating trees into agriculture, Hershey demonstrated that farms didn’t have to rely solely on grain—tree crops could serve as sustainable, long-term solutions for food security and soil health. His approach to agroforestry, though largely forgotten, remains one of the most promising models for sustainable farming today.
As part of the Centennial celebration in 2021, we compiled a cookbook inspired by Hershey’s Trees, showcasing the incredible food potential of these long-overlooked crops. By reviving interest in his work, we hope to keep his vision alive—one that valued sustainability, resilience, and the power of trees to transform the way we grow and eat food.
Where could I get some of his persimmon seeds? Are there any other cultivars for sale?
Thank you,
Paul G Lysko