'Hall's Hardy' (lives up to the name and can be planted as far north as USDA hardiness zone 5)Īlmonds are both eaten fresh and used in cooking.Pollination: Requires cross-pollination. Pick varieties known to pollinate one another, as some varieties are incapable of this.There are also dwarf and semi-dwarf cultivars available. An almond is not a true nut but instead is a fruit stone, similar to that produced by other Prunus species. If you crack open the pit, you find the "nut" that we eat. The almond resembles an immature peach on the tree. There are quite a few pests and diseases that attack the various Prunus species, but there are both chemical and organic ways of controlling these problems. It's great if you want to attract some avian friends to your yard but can be quite annoying if you're trying to raise a fruit crop. The foliage of many species is toxic to cud chewers such as goat and cattle.īirds love these fruit trees, which can be a double-edged sword. These trees and shrubs can be dangerous to plant if you have livestock. Clingstone fruits have pulp that is fastened more firmly to the pit and can't be pulled away without damage.Freestone fruits have flesh that pulls away easily from the pit, making them easy to eat fresh.The fruits of Prunus can be classified according to how their pulp is formed around the stone. Since they have fruit surrounding a stone (also known as a pit), Prunus trees and shrubs are categorized stone fruits, known scientifically as drupes. Successful pollination of many Prunus trees and shrubs requires two different varieties. Check with your local extension office for recommendations for your area, as sometimes specific varieties are unable to pollinate each other. Some varieties have been bred to have double flowers with many more petals. Prunus trees and shrubs usually have five petals and five sepals on each flower, which are often white. There are more than 400 species in this genus.Īlthough often grown for their fruit, these trees and shrubs are also grown for their ornamental flowers. These members of the Rosaceae family include many familiar grocery store staples: almonds, apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches, and plums. Species of the Prunus genus can offer interesting foliage, beautiful flowers, and edible fruit in the home garden. The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.
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