PRUNUS DULCIS

Botanical Name: Prunus dulcis
Common Names: Almond Tree, Almendro
Mature Size: 10–20 feet (3–6 meters) in height, 10–15 feet (3–4.5 meters) in spread
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates sandy, loamy, and moderately alkaline soils
Water Needs: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional deep watering
Foliage: Deciduous, lance-shaped green leaves turning yellow in autumn
Flowers: Abundant pale pink to white blossoms in late winter to early spring, before leaf-out
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

Uses:
Ornamental and Productive Tree: Prunus dulcis is valued for its beautiful early-spring flowering and its edible nuts. It brings both ornamental charm and agricultural productivity to dry or temperate gardens.

Edible Nut Production: Cultivated worldwide for its almonds, which are highly prized for culinary and nutritional uses.

Agro-landscaping: Common in Mediterranean and dryland agricultural systems, often combined with other drought-tolerant crops.

Benefits:
Drought Resistance: Well-suited to dry, sunny climates; efficient water use once established.

Dual Purpose: Offers both aesthetic appeal with its stunning blooms and functional value through nut harvest.

Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires little care beyond seasonal pruning and occasional watering.

Pollinator Friendly: Early flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting ecosystem biodiversity.

Prunus dulcis is a beautiful, multi-functional tree that combines floral elegance with agricultural value. Its resilience in dry climates and its significance in almond production make it ideal for sustainable, attractive, and productive landscapes.