Sheffield's Seed Company Page

Discover the enchanting Decaisnea fargesii, popularly known as Blue Sausage Fruit or Dead Man's Fingers. Native to Central and Eastern Asia, this deciduous shrub forms a stunning addition to any garden with its strikingly unique features. Reaching 12 to 20 feet in height and width, it thrives in USDA Zones 6 to 9, enjoying fertile, moist soils under full sun to part shade. Its pinnate leaves, adorned with 13-25 dark green leaflets, provide a lush backdrop to its subtle summer blooms: drooping 18-inch racemes of creamy yellow-green, bell-shaped flowers.

The true spectacle of Dead Man's Fingers lies in its remarkable fruits—fleshy, metallic-blue pods that resemble elongated, ethereal sausages, ripening in the fall. Opening them reveals a sweet, edible pulp cherished by the Lepchas of Sikkim but scarcely enjoyed beyond its homeland. Although low-maintenance, protect this exotic beauty from drought and harsh winds, and watch it transform your shrub borders or woodland garden into a haven of botanical intrigue. Embrace the rare, culinary delight of Decaisnea fargesii, and let your garden tell tales of distant lands.