Apricot

Prunus armeniaca L. 

        

         

All photographs are copyrighted and are the property of E. Brunner.

Family:  Rosaceae

Native or Introduced to Illinois:  Introduced 

Leaf:  Simple, broad leaves alternate on the twig. They are closely toothed along the margin and are abruptly pointed.

Flower:  Flowers are solitary, sessile.  They are pink or white in color and they bloom early in the spring.

Fruit:  Large, smooth, orange-gold skin, orange flesh, freestone. Edible. 

Bark/Twig:  Tree has a stout trunk with reddish-brown bark.

Size/Form/Shape:  A small tree (15-20 feet) with a rounded shape.

Other:  This tree is often cultivated for its edible fruit.  An oil is extracted from the seed and us used in the manufacture of perfumes and soap.

County Distribution Map for Illinois:  

Sources for the Sullivan Middle School Tree Identification Guide were obtained though the use of the following sites:

• Illinois Plant Information Network (ILPIN) @ http://www.fs.fed.us/ne/delaware/ilpin/ilpin.html#Background
• List of Woody Plants Native or Naturalized in Illinois @ http://www.inhs.uiuc.edu/~kenr/woody.html
• Tree Species @ http://ostermiller.org/tree/species.html
• Index to Eastern/Central Trees @ http://www.arborday.org/trees/ECtreelist.html
• ISU Forestry Extension Identification of Common Trees of Iowa @ http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Pages/tree/
• Key to Leaves of Virginia Trees @ http://www.fw.vt.edu/dendro/forsite/key/intro.htm
• List of Native Trees for Use Along Roadsides in Illinois @ http://www.inhs.uiuc.edu/~kenr/treetable.html
• The PLANTS Database @ http://plants.usda.gov/

The information below is from the National Arbor Day Foundation.  This information can be viewed in the original (source) form by visiting The National Arbor Day Foundation at http://www.arborday.org.

GROWING REQUIREMENTS/RATE (Early Golden variety)
Sun Exposure:  This apricot does well in Full sun all day.
Soil Type:   The Early Golden Apricot grows in dry, well-drained, sandy soil.
Moisture:  This tree requires moist, well drained soil and is not drought tolerant.
Growth Rate:  This tree grows at a fast growth rate.

Hardiness Zones: 5 - 8
This apricot can be expected to grow in the zones shown in color in the arborday.org zone map.