Prunus persica – Peach

Explore Prunus persica (Peach) – its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.

Prunus persica | Botanical Characteristics

Common Names: Peach, Nectarine (smooth-skinned varieties)

Family: Rosaceae

Appearance: A small deciduous tree with a rounded crown, slender branches, and glossy, lanceolate green leaves. In early spring, it produces showy pink blossoms before the leaves emerge. The summer fruits are fleshy drupes with either a velvety skin (peach) or smooth skin (nectarine), containing a single large pit.

Type: Perennial

Evergreen / Deciduous: Deciduous

Layer: Low Tree Layer

Root System: Shallow to moderately deep, wide-spreading, non-invasive

Height: 3–4 meters (occasionally up to 8 meters)

Width: 3–5 meters

Lifespan: Short-lived (10–20 years)

Growth Rate: Fast

Fertility: Self-fertile (most cultivars)

Flowers: Hermaphroditic

Pollinator: Bees and other insect pollinators

Toxicity: Seeds and young shoots contain cyanogenic compounds (amygdalin) which can release cyanide if consumed in quantity

Prunus persica | Habitat and Cultivation

Range

• Native Range: Northwest China, domesticated and spread through Persia to Europe

• Companionship: Suitable for planting with other early-blooming fruit trees; benefits from pollinator-friendly understory plants such as clover, borage, and comfrey

• Invasive Range: Not generally invasive, but may self-seed in favorable climates

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 5–9 (cultivar dependent)

• Minimum Chill Hours Required: Varies by cultivar (typically 200–1,000 hours)

Resistance/Tolerance

• Poor Soil: Moderate tolerance

• Drought: Low to moderate tolerance; prefers regular watering

• Shade: Low tolerance

• Flood: Low tolerance

• Wind: Moderate tolerance

• Maritime: Low to moderate tolerance; prefers sheltered sites

• Air Pollution: Moderate tolerance

• Fire: Low tolerance

Thriving Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun

• Soil Moisture: Moderate, well-drained

• Soil Type: Fertile loam or sandy loam; avoids heavy clay unless well-drained

• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

Propagation

• Seeds: Can be grown from seed, but fruit quality and traits are variable; often used for rootstocks

• Cuttings: Rarely used; softwood cuttings possible but with low success

• Grafting: Commonly propagated by grafting desirable cultivars onto compatible rootstocks

Prunus persica | Functional Uses and Benefits

Edible: Fruits eaten fresh, dried, or processed (canned, jams, juices); kernels used in flavoring and oil extraction (with caution due to toxicity)

Medicinal: Traditional uses include infusions of leaves or flowers as a mild sedative or laxative

Cosmetics: Kernel oil used in skincare products for its emollient qualities

Animal Feed: Fallen fruit may be eaten by livestock in small amounts; kernels should be avoided due to toxicity

Fiber: Not used

Timber: Not significant commercially; wood occasionally used for small craft items

Firewood: Yes – burns well, aromatic when fresh

Wind Break: Not ideal due to short stature, but can be part of mixed orchard shelterbelts

Fence: Not used

Cover Crop: No

Mulch: No

Nitrogen Fixer: No

Dynamic Accumulator: No

Pollinator Attractor: Yes – flowers attract bees and other early-season pollinators

Pest Repellent: No significant pest-repelling properties

Wildlife Supporter: Provides nectar for pollinators and fruit for birds and small mammals

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