Felder Rushing
Family
Rosaceae
Botanical Name
Prunus
Plant Common Name
Prunus
General Description
Succulent peaches, beautiful cherry blossoms and crunchy almonds all come from plants in the genus Prunus. Naturally distributed throughout temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere (with a few occurring in mountainous regions of South America), the number of species included in this group is debated by experts, however, most agree there are between 200 and 400. Prunus has yielded thousands of valuable ornamental and fruit-producing plants, some of which have been cultivated since ancient times. Many are the source of beloved summer fruits such as peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines and cherries, while some are grown for their showy flowers, beautiful bark, or attractive foliage.
These fruitful trees and shrubs exist in a variety of shapes and sizes, and may be evergreen or deciduous. Their alternate leaves may be elliptical, oval, rounded, oblong or lance-shaped, usually with serrated edges. Five-petaled, saucer-shaped flowers are borne singly or in loose clusters, and range in color from deep pink to white. While many species flower in spring or summer, some bloom throughout or at other times of the year. The flowers are followed by rounded, fuzzy to smooth-skinned drupes (fleshy fruits surrounding a hard, stony single seed). These may be small or large and often have a groove extending from the top to the bottom. Many, though not all, are edible and quite tasty.
Culture and hardiness of Prunus varieties is species, cultivar or hybrid dependent, but most need cold winter temperatures in order to flower and fruit abundantly. The number of chilling hours required for specific plants varies. For best flowering and fruiting, plants should be selected whose growing requirements suit the climate in which they are planted. Most prefer full sun locations with well-drained soil, and a few will tolerate light shade. Though many are drought resistant, regular watering generally maximizes good flowering and fruiting. Pruning is often recommended to enhance fruit production and form. Insect pests and diseases can be a problem, however, many wonderful, disease-resistant selections are available.
