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Apricot

How to identify Apricot (Prunus armeniaca)

Apricot, also known as Ansu apricot, Tibetan apricot

Apricot is characterized by its growth as a deciduous tree with a rounded canopy. It typically reaches heights of 26 to 39 feet (8 to 12 meters), sporting smooth, grayish bark. Its leaves are broad ovate, sharp-pointed, measuring around 2.8 to 3.5 inches (7 to 9 centimeters) in length, with a finely serrated margin. Come spring, apricot dazzles with white to pinkish flowers that blossom before the foliage unfolds. Each flower has five petals and is swiftly succeeded by fleshy, yellow to orange-colored fruits, which are rounded and feature a singular, large pit.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Apricot

1

Broad ovate leaves with finely serrated margins, 2.8-3.5 inches (7-9 cm) in length.

2

White to pinkish flowers with five rounded petals, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) in diameter.

3

Fleshy, yellow to orange-colored fruits, 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6 cm) in diameter with a large pit.

4

Smooth to slightly rough stem, 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) to 3 inches (7.6 cm) in diameter.

5

Distinctive bark: light greyish-brown on younger trunks, rough and darker on older trunks.

ApricotApricotApricotApricotApricot

Detailed Traits of Apricot

Leaf Features

The leaves of apricot are ovate and green with serrated margins. They feature two small glands at the base of the blade, adding to their distinct characteristics. Each leaf typically measures 2-3.5 inches (5-9 cm) in length and 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) in width. The base of the leaf is rounded, while the tip is pointed, creating a striking shape. These leaves are crucial for identifying apricot due to their unique size and shape.

Leaf Shape

Ovate

Apricot Leaf Shape image
Leaf Base

Cordate

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate ,
Opposite

Leaf Apex

Acuminate

Leaf Texture

Papyraceous ,
Coriaceous

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Flower Features

Apricot flowers are typically solitary and exhibit a five-part arrangement. They are either white or pinkish and measure about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) in diameter. The petals are usually rounded and slightly overlapping, giving the flowers a delicate yet full appearance. Blooming in early spring, these flowers release a subtle, sweet fragrance that attracts various pollinators. Their simple yet elegant structure is a hallmark feature, making them easily recognizable to both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts.

Apricot Flower imageApricot Flower image
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Stem Features

The stem of apricot is characterized by a smooth to slightly rough texture with a grayish to brown color. Thickness ranges from slender to moderately thick, about 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) to 3 inches (7.6 cm) in diameter. The branching pattern is typically alternate with parallel lenticels that are prominent on twigs and branches, aiding in gas exchange. These lenticels appear as horizontal, raised lines, which are significant for identifying the plant.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of apricot is a fleshy drupe, characterized by a velvety skin that ranges from yellow to reddish in color. It typically measures about 1.5 to 2.5 inches (4-6 cm) in diameter. The succulence of the fruit conceals a large, hard pit, known as a stone, which encases the seed. Its flesh is usually sweet and juicy when ripe, providing a pleasant taste alongside a slightly aromatic fragrance. This fruit's skin may exhibit a subtle blush, signifying full ripeness, which is a key feature for identification.

Apricot Fruit imageApricot Fruit imageApricot Fruit image
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Black cherry vs. Apricot: What's The Difference?
Black cherry (Prunus serotina) is a medium-sized, deciduous forest tree native to the Americas, but also naturalized in parts of Europe. It features inflorescence with small white blooms that become clusters of dark cherries, edible when pitted. Mature trees have gray-to-black, distinctly crackled bark. The glossy leaves are poisonous to livestock. It is a highly reproductive pioneer species with invasive potential.
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Prunus domestica is a small deciduous tree and the most common orchard plum in Europe and other regions of the world. It is a hybrid species that had most likely evolved from the wild Cherry plum, Prunus cerasifera. The fruit is elongated, fleshy, and usually sweet. Dried fruits of european plum are called prunes.
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Peach vs. Apricot: What's The Difference?
Peach is native to Northwest China. China, Spain, and Italy are the top three producers of peaches world-wide. The peach is also the state fruit of Georgia. Peach production in the US in 2017 was valued at $599 million. The fruit has a yellow or white flesh, a sweet aroma, and a skin that is either velvety (peaches) or smooth (nectarines).
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Key Facts About Apricot

Attributes of Apricot
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree, Shrub
Plant Height
3 m to 12 m
Spread
6 m
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
2 cm to 4.5 cm
Flower Color
White
Pink
Fruit Color
Orange
Red
Yellow
Burgundy
Gold
Stem Color
Green
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Apricot

Family
Rose
Icon allow
Genus
Prunus
Icon allow
Species
Apricot (Prunus armeniaca)
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Distribution Map of Apricot

Apricot is native to Central and East Asia, where it can be found growing on mountainous slopes and in sparse forests. It has been introduced to Asia, Europe, parts of Africa and Australia. This plant has long been cultivated for its fruits in most temperate regions worldwide.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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