Apricot Prunus armeniaca 'Moorpark' (F)
ABOUT
The 'Moorpark' apricot is a well-regarded fruit tree known for its attractive appearance and delightful fruits. Its leaves are broad and heart-shaped, presenting a bright green color that adds a fresh look to the foliage. During the blooming season, the apricot is adorned with clusters of beautiful white to pink flowers that bring a vibrant display to the garden. These flowers not only contribute to the ornamental value of the tree but also hold promise for the fruit to come. As the growing season progresses, the 'Moorpark' apricot yields large, orange-yellow fruits with a splotch of red blush on the sunny side. The apricot's skin is smooth, with a soft, velvety texture that is quite inviting to the touch. The flesh inside is typically a deep orange, known for being juicy and sweet with a rich, apricot flavor that is favored by many. These fruits are delightful when eaten fresh and are also excellent for various culinary uses, such as in jams, desserts, and dried fruit preparations. The overall appearance of the 'Moorpark' apricot is one of lush foliage, showy blooms, and abundant, mouth-watering fruits that provide both aesthetic and practical benefits for gardeners and fruit lovers alike.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Moorpark Apricot, Apricot 'Moorpark'
Common names
Armeniaca vulgaris var. ansu Maxim., Armeniaca vulgaris var. vulgaris, Prunus armeniaca var. ansu (Maxim.) C.K.Schneid., Prunus armeniaca var. vulgaris (Lam.) K.Koch.
ToxicityTo humans
The most common common name for Prunus armeniaca 'Moorpark' is apricot. Apricots themselves are not toxic to humans and are actually nutritious; however, the kernels inside the seeds contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when metabolized. Ingesting large quantities of apricot kernels can lead to symptoms of cyanide poisoning, which may include headache, confusion, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and even coma or death in severe cases.
To pets
Apricot, the common name for Prunus armeniaca 'Moorpark', can be toxic to pets, especially dogs and cats, if they ingest the seeds, leaves, or stems. These parts of the plant contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be converted into cyanide in the body. Symptoms of apricot poisoning in pets can include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, lethargy, shock, and potentially death if a significant amount has been consumed and treatment is not promptly administered.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
15-20 feet (4.6-6 meters)
Spread
15-20 feet (4.6-6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Edible Fruits: Apricot 'Moorpark' produces sweet and juicy apricots, which can be eaten fresh, dried, or used in various recipes.
- Attractive Blossoms: The tree boasts beautiful, fragrant flowers in spring that enhance the aesthetics of any garden landscape.
- Shade Provider: As a medium-sized tree, it offers shade in summer, creating a pleasant outdoor environment.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Relatively Easy to Grow: It is adaptable to a range of soil types, as long as they are well-draining, and it requires only moderate maintenance.
- Long-Lived: With proper care, 'Moorpark' apricot trees can be productive for many years, making them a long-term addition to the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: This variety offers year-round interest with its spring blossoms, summer fruits, and autumn leaf color changes.
- Home Orchard Suitability: Compact enough for home orchards, yet sufficiently productive to yield a meaningful harvest for family consumption.
- Versatile Culinary Use: The apricots can be used in a wide array of dishes, including jams, tarts, preserves, and as a complement to savory dishes.
- Preservation and Canning: Apricots from the 'Moorpark' can be preserved or canned to enjoy the harvest throughout the year.
- Wildlife Attraction: The fruit can attract birds and other wildlife, integrating the garden with the surrounding natural habitat.
Medical Properties- Apricot kernels (seeds): They contain amygdalin, which is also known as laetrile and has been used in alternative cancer treatments, though its effectiveness and safety are controversial and not supported by robust scientific evidence.
- Antioxidant content: Apricots are a source of vitamins, especially vitamin A and vitamin C, which have antioxidant properties that may help protect cells from damage.
- Fiber: The fruit provides dietary fiber which can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy gastrointestinal system.
- Potassium: Apricots contain potassium, which is essential for heart health and maintaining proper electrolyte balance in the body.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Apricot seeds can be ground to obtain an abrasive for polishing metals and as a natural exfoliant in skincare products.
- Wood from the apricot tree can be used in carpentry for making musical instruments such as flutes and woodwinds due to its fine grain and workability.
- The bitter seeds of apricots are sometimes used in the production of amaretto, an Italian sweet almond-flavored liqueur, by infusing the flavor into the liquor.
- Apricot oil extracted from the kernels is used as a flavoring agent in cooking and baking, imparting a mild almond-like taste.
- The tree's flowers can be used for ornamental purposes in flower arrangements due to their soft, pastel hues and gentle fragrance.
- Leaves of the apricot can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, yielding soft green or yellow tones depending on the mordant used.
- The apricot fruit's pectin-rich nature makes it an excellent natural vegan thickener for sauces, jams, and desserts.
- Apricot kernels can be roasted and included in trail mixes or granola for a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor.
- As a natural wood smoker, apricot wood chips are utilized in barbecuing to impart a sweet, fruity smoke flavor to meats and vegetables.
- Crushed apricot shells can serve as an organic additive to compost or as mulch, providing soil aeration and gradual nutrient release.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Apricot tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Apricot tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Romance and Love: Apricot trees and flowers are often associated with love and romance due to their delicate and fragrant blossoms.
- Femininity and Beauty: The soft beauty of the apricot blooms is sometimes tied to feminine beauty and grace.
- Renewal and Rebirth: As apricot trees blossom in early spring, they can symbolize new beginnings and the renewal of life.
- Longevity and Health: The apricot fruit is nourishing and has been connected to long life and good health in various cultural traditions.
WaterMoorpark apricots need regular watering during the growing season, especially when the fruits are developing. On average, it's suggested to provide them with about 1-2 inches of water per week, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the hot summer months or drought conditions, increase watering frequency to twice a week, applying roughly 5-10 gallons depending on the size and age of the tree. Reduce watering as the fruit begins to ripen and after harvest, and water sparingly during winter months to prevent root rot.
LightMoorpark apricots flourish in full sunlight, where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily. The best spot for these trees is a location free from shadows cast by buildings or taller plants, ensuring unobstructed light reaches the canopy for optimal fruit production.
TemperatureMoorpark apricot trees do best in climates with cold winters and warm summers, with ideal growing temperatures ranging between 75°F and 85°F during the day. The trees require a chilling period at temperatures between 32°F to 45°F to break dormancy and initiate spring growth, but they can withstand winter temperatures as low as 20°F, although temperatures below that may damage the tree.
PruningPruning Moorpark apricots is vital for maintaining tree health, encouraging a strong structure, and fostering plentiful fruit production. Prune these trees in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, removing dead or diseased wood and thinning the canopy to increase sunlight penetration and air circulation. The frequency of pruning is generally once a year, but maintenance pruning may be needed to remove damage or suckers throughout the year.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe best soil mix for an Apricot 'Moorpark' is well-draining, fertile loam with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Adding compost or aged manure can enhance the soil's fertility and structure.
RepottingApricot 'Moorpark' trees, being fruit trees, are typically not repotted but planted directly in the ground where they can grow without the need for repotting.
Humidity & MistingApricot 'Moorpark' prefers outdoor conditions with average humidity levels and does not require specific humidity control.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Moorpark Apricots need full light, can't thrive indoors long.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA.
Life cycleThe 'Moorpark' apricot (Prunus armeniaca 'Moorpark') begins its life cycle from a dormant pit (seed), which, under suitable conditions, germinates in spring after experiencing chilling hours over the winter period. The seedling emerges and develops into a young sapling, growing through photosynthesis and developing a root system for water and nutrient uptake. Over several years, the sapling matures into a fruit-bearing tree, undergoing cycles of dormancy and active growth, coinciding with seasonal changes. Flowering occurs in early spring, with pollination facilitated by insects, leading to fruit development if conditions are favorable. The apricot fruits typically ripen in late spring to summer, depending on the climate, and after harvesting, the fruit either falls to the ground and can lead to new plants if seeds are not consumed by animals or collected by humans. The mature 'Moorpark' apricot tree can continue to produce fruit for many years, possibly decades, given proper care and conducive environmental conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter to Early Spring
Prunus armeniaca 'Moorpark', more commonly known as the 'Moorpark' apricot, is most commonly propagated through grafting, typically during late winter to early spring. This process involves splicing a branch, known as a scion, from a 'Moorpark' apricot with desirable characteristics onto the rootstock of another apricot variety that has a strong, disease-resistant root system. The cut surfaces of both the scion and the rootstock are matched up as closely as possible to ensure a good union and are bound tightly with grafting tape. The area is then often coated with a grafting wax to prevent drying out. The grafted plant should then be kept in optimal growing conditions with adequate moisture and protection from extreme elements to encourage successful growth and development of the new tree.
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