Japanese apricot
7
6
2Will it grow where I live?
Japanese apricot is hardy to zone 6, which covers nearly all of Central Europe and the British Isles; only harsh upland sites (Alps, high ridges) call for winter protection.
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Profile
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Habit
- Tree
- Height
- 9 m
- Spread
- 6 m
- Growth
- medium
- Lifespan
- 80 years
- First yield
- after 4 years
- Hardiness
- zone 6–8
- Shade tolerance
- partial shade
- Soil
- Sand, Silt, Loam
- Soil moisture
- dry – moist
- pH
- 6 – 7.5
Flowering & harvest
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flowering |
Uses
⚠️ Hazards
Toxic kernels and leaves, toxic to dogs, cats and horses As in all Prunus species, the seeds, leaves and bark contain cyanogenic glycosides that release hydrogen cyanide when chewed or crushed. A single intact stone swallowed by accident is harmless, larger quantities of chewed kernels are not, and home-made kernel extracts are best avoided. The same plant parts are considered toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The flesh of the fruit itself is harmless. The gum that exudes from wounds indicates pruning at the wrong time of year, not a hazard.
Frequently asked questions
Japanese apricot: how big does it get?
Japanese apricot (Prunus mume) grows as a Tree and reaches roughly 9 m in height when mature, with a spread of about 6 m. Growth is medium.
Japanese apricot: what site does it need?
Japanese apricot tolerates partial shade. Suitable soils are Sand, Silt, Loam. Soil moisture should be in the range dry – moist. The pH may lie between 6 and 7.5.
Japanese apricot: is it hardy?
Japanese apricot is listed as hardy in zone 6–8 and survives normal winters outdoors there.
Japanese apricot: will it grow in Central Europe?
Japanese apricot is hardy to zone 6, which covers nearly all of Central Europe and the British Isles; only harsh upland sites (Alps, high ridges) call for winter protection.
Japanese apricot: when does it flower?
In a temperate northern-hemisphere climate it flowers in April.
Japanese apricot: is it poisonous?
No toxicity is recorded for Japanese apricot. With wild plants, never rely on a database alone — only on a confident identification.
Japanese apricot: what is it used for?
Rated on a scale up to 10: Edible 7/10, Medicinal 6/10, Other uses 2/10.
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