Sign 24
Japanese White Peach
Prunus persica
- Bloom Time:
- April–May
- Family:
- Rose (Rosaceae)
- Form:
- Tree, Fruit
Tree
Description: The Japanese White Peach tree blooms in April and May. Small five-petaled pink flowers attract bees, birds, and butterflies; “white” refers to the fruit’s pale flesh. It’s a fruit tree approximately 15-25’ tall x 10-20’ wide.
Peaches have symbolized longevity and good fortune in China for centuries. Spread worldwide via the Silk Road, their blossoms herald spring across Asia, while peach wood was traditionally carved into protective charms.
Photo: Rest-Stop-Ranch
More plant info
What to look for
Peach blossoms open in April and May, before or with the leaves, in clusters of five-petaled pink flowers. ‘White’ in this tree’s name refers to the fruit: white-fleshed peaches are lower in acid and taste sweeter than yellow ones.
Where it comes from
Peaches were first domesticated in China, as early as 6000 BCE. The species name persica comes from Persia, the route by which peaches reached Europe.
Growing it at home
Peach trees are relatively short-lived, usually less than twenty years. Peach leaf curl, a fungus that puckers and reddens new leaves in spring, is the most common problem.
Sources
Guided tours of the arboretum are free, by appointment. Text Mary at 978-887-4202.