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Prunus persica var. nucipersica

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
PROO-nus PER-se-kuh
This plant has medium severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Nectarines produce juicy, sweet and smooth fruit. Good for eating fresh or using in your recipes. They are low in calories and provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The mature size of the tree depends on the version that you choose, standard or semi-dwarf.

Height:  12- 15 ft. or 8-10 ft.    Width: 15 ft. or 8-10 ft.

Site: Good air flow to assist thermal environment for the tree.

 

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.   

More information on Prunus persica.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#high maintenance#fruit tree#edible fruits#pollinator plant#larval host plant#butterfly friendly#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly#frequent insect problems#frequent disease problems#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#high maintenance#fruit tree#edible fruits#pollinator plant#larval host plant#butterfly friendly#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly#frequent insect problems#frequent disease problems#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Prunus
    Species:
    persica
    Family:
    Rosaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Wildlife Value:
    This is a larval host plant to Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus). You may see three flights from February-November in the deep south and two flights from May-September in the north.
    Play Value:
    Edible fruit
    Edibility:
    Nectarine has a smooth skin, the flesh can be either yellow or white with delicate aroma, and clingstone or freestone. Usually, nectarines are a little bit smaller but sweeter than peaches, the skin is more reddish.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 12 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 10 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Edible
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    High
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Fragrant
    Fruit Description:
    Nectarine has a smooth skin, the flesh can be either yellow or white with delicate aroma, and clingstone or freestone. Usually, nectarines are a little bit smaller but sweeter than peaches, the skin is more reddish.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Pink
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Description:
    The five-petal, solid or paired pink flowers bloom early in spring, before leaf sprouts.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    The leaves are lanceolate shaped, 3-6 inches in length and 0.8-1.2 inches broad. Pinnately veined.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Edible Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Problems:
    Frequent Disease Problems
    Frequent Insect Problems
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Medium
    Poison Symptoms:
    The pits contain cyanide compounds, which are poisonous. If a couple of pits are accidentally swallowed, it will not cause poisoning. The pits are more poisonous if they are ground up/crushed or the seeds are chewed. Fruit that has not been pitted should not be blended into a smoothie. Symptoms include Gasping, weakness, excitement, pupil dilation, spasms, convulsions, coma, respiratory failure.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    cyanide
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Leaves
    Seeds
    Stems