Apricot
Prunus armeniaca
Rosaceae - Rose

Description

Leaves: Simple; alternate; ovate leaves broader than in peach; deciduous.

Twigs/buds: Twigs reddish brown, with prominent lenticels. Buds scaly, red-brown like twig.

Flowers/fruit: Flowers perfect, pink to white, 1" wide. Fruit similar to peach but smaller and nearly glabrous with a smooth pit.

Bark: Dark brown to reddish-brown to black.

Wood: Hard and durable; used for agricultural implements or fuel.

General: Native to Asia and long-cultivated. Shade intolerant. Fruit and/or plant part can be nuisances; use fruitless varieties if possible. Sucker (sprout) growth can be a problem.

Landscape Use: Generally only grown for fruit, and I have not seen that many well-kept apricots. However, Dr. Phil Allen at BYU feels that apricot makes a good specimen tree with a nice branch structure. Pests can be a problem. More cold-hardy than peach and quite drought hardy. Many cultivars. Zones 4(3?)-9.

Cultivars: Numerous varieties. 'Goldcot', 'Goldrich', 'Harcot', 'Harglow', 'Hargrand', 'Harlayne', 'Haroblush', 'Harogem', 'Harojoy', 'Harostar', 'Harval', 'Veecot', 'Velvaglo', 'Vivagold'.

Characteristics

General

Family Rosaceae - Rose
Cultivar Availability Yes
Hardiness Zone 4-9
Type Broadleaf
Utah Native No

Growth

Growth Rate Medium
Mature Height Medium
Longevity Medium
Is Good Under Power Lines No
Crown Shapes Vase

Ornamental

Bark No
Fall Color No
Flowers Yes
Foliage No
Fruit Yes

Tolerance

Shade Low
Salt High
Drought Medium
Poor Drainage Low
Alkalinity Medium
Transplanting Medium