Prunus persica, commonly called peach, is a deciduous tree that typically grows to 6m tall with a spreading, oval to rounded crown. It is native to China but has been widely cultivated and introduced as an ornamental fruit tree throughout the temperate world. It was brought to North America in the 17th century. Trunks are short, and stout and typically contain multiple trunks. Flowers bloom in early spring (March-April) before the appearance of leaves. Flowers are pink, white, or red, about 2.5cm across, and borne singly or in pairs in the leaf axils. Fruits mature in mid to late summer (July-August in St. Louis) and typically measure up to 8cm long. Fruits ripen to yellow or white with red or pinkish-tinged flesh. Fruits are ovate with a pointed end, and may have a “fuzzy” or smooth skin. Fruits contain a large central pit. Genus name comes from the Latin name. Specific epithet means of Persia. The common name of peach refers to the Persian origin of the fruit. “Peach” is also a slang term meaning “attractive” or “pleasing”.

Peach trees are fast-growing and relatively short-lived (15-20 years). They perform best in full sun on well-drained soils. They are also tolerant of a wide range of soil pH (5.0-8.0). Trees are typically propagated by rooting hardwood cuttings. Trees are self-fruitful, but yields may be improved by planting 2 or more cultivars for cross-pollination. ‘Belle of Georgia’ and ‘Desert Gold’ are two good cross-pollinating partners for ‘Contender’. Trees are typically grafted onto ‘Lovell’ rootstock. ‘Lovell’ is a vigorous rootstock that produces a semi-dwarf tree. Fruits ripen from mid to late summer. Flowers appear in early spring before the appearance of leaves. Flowers are pink, white or red, about 2.5cm across, and borne singly or in pairs in the leaf axils. Foliage is ovate to elliptic, medium to dark green, and turns yellow in fall. Foliage is short-lived and may drop early in the fall.

The map shows known occurrence points of Prunus persica recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.

Source: GBIF.org — Global Biodiversity Information Facility