The Mother Orange Tree of Butte County, nestled in Oroville, California, is not just any ordinary tree; its a living piece of history that has captivated locals and visitors alike for over a century. This tree, planted by pioneering spirits in the late 1800s, holds a unique place in Butte County’s agricultural history.

The Mother Orange Tree is a Washington Navel Orange tree, one of the most popular types of oranges due to their sweet and juicy nature. The Washington Navel was first introduced to California by Judge R.B. Sawyer who planted it in Riverside in 1873. Its believed that Butte County’s Mother Orange Tree came from a cutting from this original tree, making it the oldest navel orange tree in existence on the West Coast of the United States.

The tree is known for its robust health and impressive size, reaching up to 40 feet tall with an expansive canopy that shades passersby on hot summer days. Its bark is gnarled and weathered, a testament to the decades it has spent weathering storms and droughts, yet it remains vibrantly green and continues to bear fruit each year.

Its fruits are a delightful surprise too. The oranges that the Mother Orange Tree bears are sweet, juicy, and burst with flavor, much like any other navel orange. However, they have a unique tang that sets them apart from their counterparts grown elsewhere. This distinctive taste is attributed to the local terroir - the climate, soil composition, and growing conditions specific to Butte Countys Oroville area.

As you stand under this majestic tree, its easy to imagine how different life might have been back when it was planted. In those days, orange groves werent just a source of food; they were symbols of hope and prosperity for many pioneers who had journeyed westward in search of new lives. The Mother Orange Tree serves as a beautiful reminder of this rich history.

Today, the tree stands as a symbol of resilience and endurance, having survived numerous environmental challenges over the years. Its also a popular spot for visitors looking to connect with the regions past while enjoying the sweet reward that Mother Nature has provided. Whether you visit during bloom season when the air is fragrant with citrus blossoms or harvest time when you can taste the succulent fruit, a visit to the Mother Orange Tree of Butte County promises an unforgettable experience.