Prunus
( PROO - nus )
At-A-Glance InformationThis large genus of trees includes both ornamental and crop forms of Plum,
Cherry, Peach, Nectarine, Apricot, and Almond species. These trees are native to North American temperate regions, South America, Asia, and Africa. Fruits produced are considered drupes, or stone fruits. The seed in the center of the stone (or pit) is edible in almond species but is poisonous in most others. Member species can be deciduous or evergreen, and some have thorns. |
Prunus Species and Varietals
The genus Prunus is a member of the plant family Rosaceae, making them related to species in the Cotoneaster, Rubus, and Sorbus genera. There are about 430 species in the Prunus genus. The list of Prunus species below is divided into six subgenera. For more growing zone information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Amygdalus: Almonds, peaches, and Nectarines
This group of fruiting trees is distinguished from the others in the genus by the corrugated endocarp (or shell) surrounding the inner seed, which is eaten in the Almond species. Trees have axillary buds in groups of three, and flowers appear in early springtime. Fruits produced by these plants have a deep groove on one side.
Prunus dulcis (Almond) Native to Iran and the surrounding area, this species of fruiting trees is the type species of the subgenera. Fruits have an outer hull and a hard inner shell that protects the edible seed. These trees do very well in Mediterranean climates with warm, dry summers and wet, cool winters (Zones 2B, 3B, 8-10, 12-16, and 19-21). Half of the world's almond supply is produced in California. Trees reach between 15 and 40 feet tall, and Branches and bark are greyish, and leaves are lightly serrated and green. Almond trees begin producing in their third year, and can grow between 30 and 50 pounds of 'nuts' annually, peaking at 7-8 years old. Trees live for between 25 and 30 years on average. |
'All-in-One'
Semi-dwarf species with medium to large sweet, soft-shelled nuts. Self-fruiting. This is the best variety for home gardens. |
'Butte'
Productive tree with semi-hard shelled nuts. Can be pollinated with 'All-In-One', 'Mission', or 'Nonpareil'. |
'Garden Prince'
Dwarf tree with showy pink blooms and medium-sized soft-shelled nuts. Self-fruiting. |
'Hall' ('Hall's Hardy')
This plant bears a hard-shelled, bitter, small nut of low quality. Pink blooms flower late, making this a good choice for frost-prone regions. Somewhat self-fruiting but better when paired up with 'Mission'. |
'Mission' ('Texas')
Regular, heavy producer of small, semi-hard shelled nuts. This is a late bloomer, and one of the safest varieties for areas with cold winters and late frost. Pair with 'Hall' for fruitful pollination. |
'Ne Plus Ultra'
Has large nuts in attractive shells that are soft. Best when paired with 'Nonpareil'. |
'Nonpareil'
Great variety with easily removable thin shells around nuts. Blooms mid-season, and has some bud failure where summers get particularly hot. Pollinate with 'All-In-One', 'Mission', or 'Ne Plus Ultra'. |
Prunus persica (Peach, Nectarine) This species was first cultivated in China, and contains two commercially differentiated fruits: peaches and nectarines. The largest difference between the two fruits is found in the skin; peaches have a fuzzy skin while nectarines are smooth-skinned. Trees can reach about 25 feet tall and wide, but are more commonly seen about 10-15 feet tall and wide, especially in backyard cultivation. Most trees need replacing in 8-10 years, though resilient trees can live for over 25 years. |
Peach Cultivars
For the most part, peaches are categorized according to whether they are 'clingstone' or 'freestone'. Clingstone varieties have fruit flesh that holds on (or clings to) to pits, and are better for canning purposes. Freestone fruits, on the other hand, are easy to eat ripe, and have a pit that dislodges more freely from the fruit flesh. Fruits in the middle of the two categories are referred to as 'semifree'.
For the most part, peaches are categorized according to whether they are 'clingstone' or 'freestone'. Clingstone varieties have fruit flesh that holds on (or clings to) to pits, and are better for canning purposes. Freestone fruits, on the other hand, are easy to eat ripe, and have a pit that dislodges more freely from the fruit flesh. Fruits in the middle of the two categories are referred to as 'semifree'.
'Duke of York'
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'Peregrine'
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'Rochester'
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Nectarine Cultivars (Prunus persica nucipersica, Prunus persica nectarina) (Shaved Peach, Fuzless Peach)
Nectarines are a variety of Peach with a desirable recessive gene: fuzzless skin. These fruits are categorized as either white or yellow, and have the same pit characteristic categories as peaches. Fruits tend to be smaller and sweeter than their counterparts.
Nectarines are a variety of Peach with a desirable recessive gene: fuzzless skin. These fruits are categorized as either white or yellow, and have the same pit characteristic categories as peaches. Fruits tend to be smaller and sweeter than their counterparts.
Peacherines These fruits are marketed in New Zealand and Australia as a cross between a peach and a nectarine (though since these fruits are of the same species, a true cross is not possible). Fruit is intermediate in appearance between a peach and a nectarine, and flesh is usually yellow, though white varieties are also produced. |
Prunus triloba (Ornamental Almond, Flowering Almond) These shrubby trees grow best in zones A1-A3, 1-11 and 14-20. They are native to China, and have a slow growth to about 8-10 feet tall generally with equal width. Can be single-or multi-stemmed. Leaves are dark green above, pale underneath. In early spring, otherwise bare branches are covered in pink blooms. Variety 'Multiplex' (pictured) has double-pink flowers, and a double-white form is also available at times. |
cerasus: True cherries
These trees produce a single winter bud per axil, and fruits are smooth round drupes.
Prunus avium (Wild Cherry, Sweet Cherry, Gean) This species is native to Europe and Western Asia, and produces a tree that reaches between 15 and 60 feet tall at maturity. Take care when planting this species in your garden, as all plant parts except fruits are toxic, containing cyanogenic glycosides. |
Prunus campanulata (Taiwan Cherry, Formosoan Cherry, Bellflower Cherry) This species is native to Japan, Taiwan, and China and is widely grown as an ornamental tree. These trees are considered invasive in some areas of the world, especially New Zealand, where its propagation and distribution is strictly controlled. |
Prunus canescens (Gray-Leaf Cherry, Hoary Cherry) This species is native to China, and forms a shrubby tree that maxes out at just under 10 feet tall. Due to its attractive, shiny dark bark and small stature, it is commonly used as a rootstock for sweet cherry species and sometimes grown as an ornamental garden specimen. |
Prunus cerasoides (Wild Himalayan Cherry, Pahhiya, Sour Cherry) This species is native to the Himalayas and forms a large tree that can reach just under 100 feet tall. Bark is glossy and ringed, and the tree flowers twice a year. The first bloom pops January through April, and the second from September to November. Flowers are white-pink. |
Prunus cerasus (Dwarf Cherry, Sour Cherry, Tart Cherry) This small tree has twiggy branches and reaches between 13 and 33 feet tall. Popularly cultivated varieties include 'Morello' (dark red fruit), 'Amarelle' (lighter red fruit), 'Kentish Red', 'North Star', 'Montmorency', 'Griottes', 'Meteor', and 'Flemish'. |
Prunus cyclamina (Cyclamin Cherry, Cyclamen Cherry, Chinese Flowering Cherry) This tree produces a grand show of pink flowers which lasts for longer than most other species. They are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, and are widely grown as ornamentals. New leaves are bronze-green, turning a true green when mature. Fruits do not have much flesh, but are tasty. |
Prunus emarginata (Bitter Cherry, Oregon Cherry) This species is native to western North America, from British Columbia down through Baja California. These trees prefer nutrient-rich, recently disturbed soil in open wooded areas. At maturity, these trees top out at just under 50 feet tall. Flowers are white. Fruits are so bitter they are generally considered inedible. |
Prunus x eminens (Prunus eminens, Prunus x javorkae) This small natural hybrid tree is native to central Europe and reaches between 10 and 16 feet tall when mature. Crown is spherical and flowers are white, followed by crimsoin-red fruits. Fall foliage is vibrant orange. Cultivars are very cold hardy, and include 'Crimson Passion', 'Juliet', 'Romeo', and 'Umbriculifera' (a weeping variety). |
Prunus fruticosa (European Dwarf Cherry, Dwarf Cherry, Mongolian Cherry, Steppe Cherry, Ground Cherry, European Ground Cherry) This species is native to eastern Europe, and reaches between 3 and 7 feet tall at maturity. Fruit is sour, used for cooking and preserving. In ornamental use, it is used as a hedgerow, privacy screen, or windbreak. Its hardiness makes it a great rootstock choice. |
Prunus x incam (Okame Cherry) These small trees have silvery bark and produce showy pink blooms. Fall foliage is bronze-orange-red. Although these trees produce copious amounts of pollen, they do not fruit well, and are largely grown as ornamentals. This hybrid was developed by Collingwood Ingram, and there are two popular cultivars, 'Okame' and 'Shosar'. |
Prunus itosakura (Weeping Cherry, Autumn Cherry, Winter-Flowering Cherry) Trees in this species reach about 100 feet maximum, but are more commonly seen at about half that height in gardens. This is a slow-growing species with a firm trunk. Resistant to snow damage and wind damage. Commonly grown varieties include 'Pendula', 'Pendula-Rosea', 'Plena-Rosea, 'Omoigawa', and 'Ujou-Shidare'. |
Prunus mackii (Manchurian Cherry, Amur Chokecherry) Named for the man who discovered the species, Richard Karlovich Maack, these trees reach between 13 and 32 feet tall and has fissured, grey-brown bark (for which it is grown as an ornamental). Fruit is used to manufactore juices, jellies and jams. Flowers are white and bloom in the middle of spring, followed by summer to autumn dark purple to black fruits. |
Prunus mahaleb (Mahaleb Cherry, St. Lucie Cherry) This species is cultivated for the spicy seeds inside the fruits, which have a fragrant smell and have a taste like a bitter almond. Fruit flesh is inedible. These trees are native to central Europe's dry woodlands and drylands. Flowers are white and strongly fragrant, and these trees are commonly cultivated in gardens as ornamentals. Varieties include 'Albomarginata' (with variegated foliage), 'Bommii' (dwarf with pendulous branches), 'Globosa' (compact variety), 'Pendula' (with drooping branches), and 'Xanthocarpa' (with yellow fruit). |
Prunus nipponica (Japanese Alpine Cherry) This shrub is native to Japan and is a hardy species, well-suited to cold climates. Flowers are light pink to white and bloom in early to mid spring. In fall, foliage will turn orange and red. Fruit is eaten and used to make various dyes. These trees reach 16 feet in height at maturity and can grow in a variety of soils including loamy, sandy, and clayey. |
Prunus pensylvanica (Bird Cherry, Red Cherry, Fire Cherry, Pin Cherry) Grown as a shrub or small tree, this species is native to mountainous areas in the northern United States and southern Canada. Fruit is edible and is used in jams, jellies, and other preserves. Seeds can remain viable and dormant in soil for up to 50-100 years, and trees can regenerate through sprouting thickets as well. |
Prunus serrulata (Prunus jamasakura) (Birch Bark Cherry, Birchbark Cherry, Paperbark Cherry, Tibetan Cherry, Japanese Cherry, East Asian Cherry) This widely grown ornamental species of Cherry is native to China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. These small deciduous trees have short trunks and can reach between 26 and 39 feet when mature. Bark is chestnut brown with prominent lenticels. Fall color is red, yellow, and crimson. Flowers appear with leafout, and are white to pink. Fruits follow flowers, but because these trees are bred for ornamental purposes, they are very small and underdeveloped. |
Prunus x schmittii (Schmitt's Cherry) This species produces trees that are wonderful street trees given their narrow, conical growth habit. These are fast-growing Cherry trees, reaching between 22 and 50 feet tall at maturity. Flowers are pale pink to white, and bloom in April. Heavy pollen producer. Blooms are followed by small, cherry-like red fruits and fall foliage is orange to yellow. Multi- and single-trunked varieties are available. |
Prunus x yedoensis (Cerasus x yedoensis) (Yoshino Cherry, Somei-Yoshino) This hybrid species' cultivar, Yoshino Cherry, is the most widely grown Prunus cultivar in temperate regions of the globe. Fragrant flowers are pink-white, blooming in spring before leaves emerge for the year. Fruits have little flesh and are not great for eating, but do have the potential to stain concrete, brick and clothing. These trees reach between 16 and 40 feet tall when mature. |
Laurocerasus: Cherry Laurels
This group of Cherry trees was once known as the genus Laurocerasus, and is now included under Prunus. These trees are evergreen, and native to subtropical and tropical regions of the globe.
Prunus caroliniana (Carolina Laurelcherry, Carolina Cherry Laurel, Carolina Cherry, Carolina Laurel) Native to lowland areas in the southeastern United States, this species forms a medium-sized tree that reaches between 20 and 30 feet tall at maturity. Flowers are creamy white and fragrant, blooming in late wintertime through early spring. Fruits are bird favorites, tiny and black. |
Prunus ilicifolia (Hollyleaf Cherry, Evergreen Cherry, Islay) This species is native to Chapparal landscapes in coastal areas of California and Mexico. This evergreen shrub or tree reaches between 8 and 30 feet tall at maturity, and produces edible purple-black cherry fruits. Flowers are small and white, and bloom between March and May. These are commonly grown as ornamentals and are prized for their adaptability, usefulness as hedge plants, and drought-tolerance. |
Prunus laurocerasus (Cherry Laurel, Common Laurel, English Laurel) These shrubs or trees are native to southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia, and reach between 16 and 40 feet tall at maturity. Leaves, when crushed, smell of Almonds. Flowers appear in early springtime and last through summer, are fragrant, and creamy-white. Fruits are small cherries, turning black when ripe in early fall. These are widely cultivated ornamental plants, great for hedging and privacy, and adaptable to poor conditions. There are over 40 cultivars of this popular species, the most popular of which include 'Aureovariegata' (with yellow variegated leaves), 'Magnifolia' (with large leaves), 'Otto Lukyen' (a dwarfed form), 'Schipakaensis', and 'Zabeliana' (prized for its cold tolerance). |
Prunus lusitanica (Portuguese Laurel Cherry, Portugal Laurel) This species of flowering plants is native to the Iberian Peninsula, Morocco, the Macaronesian Archipelagos, and the French Basque Country. These evergreen shrubs or trees reach between 16 and 66 feet tall (depending on the growth habit and conditions). Flowers are white, and fruits are dark purple or black when ripe in late summer to early fall. Considered invasive in some areas of the Pacific Northwest. |
Lithocerasus (microcerasus): Bush Cherries and Dwarf cherries
This subgenus includes species that are shrubs and subshrubs.
Prunus glandulosa (Chinese Bush Cherry, Chinese Plum, Dwarf Flowering Almond) This species is native to China and Japan, and is commonly used as an ornamental small tree. Branches are used in cut flower arrangements. These plants can have white or pink flowers which bloom in springtime, and fruits that follow are dark red. This species commonly reaches about 5 feet tall at maturity, and has a spreading, somewhat pendulous habit. Cultivars include 'Alba' (with single white flowers), 'Alba Plena' (with double white flowers), 'Lawrence' (with single white-pink flowers), and 'Sinensis' (also called 'Rosea Plena', with double pink blooms). |
Prunus jacquemontii (Afghan Cherry, Afghan Bush Cherry, Afghan Dwarf Cherry, Flowering Almond) This species produces pink flowers on a 5 foot tall, 4 foot wide shrub (after 10 years of growth). The species is named for French botanist Victor Jacquemont. Leaves are green and slender, and these shrubs are native to Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Tibet |
Prunus prostrata (Mountain Cherry, Rock Cherry, Creeping Cherry, Spreading Cherry, Prostrate Cherry) This hardy alpine species reaches about 5 feet tall at maturity. Bark is reddish-brown and flowers are a light rose color and bloom April through May. Fruits follow blooms and are red, ripe in July. They are not palatable; these plants are used mainly as ornamentals. |
Prunus tomentosa (Nanjing Cherry, Korean Cherry, Manchu Cherry, Downy Cherry, Shanghai Cherry, Ando Cherry, Chinese Bush Cherry, Mountain Cherry, Chinese Dwarf Cherry) This is a deciduous shrub with pink to white flowers and reaches 10 feet tall at maturity. Fruits are scarlet and resemble cherries, but are more similar to plums. They are sweet and slightly tart. This species is drought-resistant and cold-hardy. |
Padus: Bird Cherries
This subgenus of Prunus includes
Prunus |
Caring for and pruning Almond Trees
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Honey Fungus
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 144, Almond; page 536, Prunus triloba 'Flowering Almond'
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