Flowering almond | Prunus triloba | The Morton Arboretum

Family (English) Rose
Family (botanic) Rosaceae
Tree or plant type Tree, Shrub
Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
Native locale Non-native
Size range Large shrub (more than 8 feet), Compact tree (10-15 feet)
Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Hardiness zones Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago)
Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
Drought tolerance Moderately tolerant
Other tolerances Alkaline soil
Season of interest mid spring, late spring
Flower color and fragrance Pink
Shape or form Irregular, Round
Growth rate Moderate

More Information

Size and Form

Flowering almond is a large, dense, rounded shrub. The small tree form often grows 10 to 15 feet high and wide.

Native Geographic Location and Habitat

This plant is native to China.

Pollinators and Wildlife

Butterflies are attracted to flowers and the fruit attracts many birds.

Bark Description

The bark is brown on slender stems.

Leaf Description

Leaves are alternate, simple, double-serrated elliptical leaf about 2 to 4 inches long. They are medium green in summer turning a yellow-gold in fall.

Flower Description

Flowers are five-petaled pink flowers appearing in early spring.

Fruit Description

The fruit is a 1/2 inch, round, fleshy red fruit that attracts many songbirds.

Care Knowledge

Plant Care

Grows best in full sun to light shade in well-drained soil. It is tolerant of clay, sand, and acidic soils, but does not tolerate standing water or wet soil. However, it will withstand moderate drought and wind once established. Prune regularly to maintain good branching and remove dead wood. It is often short-lived.