Peach Prunus persica 'Duke of York' (F)
ABOUT
The 'Duke of York' is a variety of peach tree that is renowned for its horticultural characteristics. It produces beautiful flowers early in spring. The blossoms are showy and predominantly pink, creating a colorful display that is a harbinger of the fruit to come. As the season progresses, these flowers give way to the foliage, which is lush and green, providing a verdant backdrop for the developing fruit. The peaches themselves are the real stars of this plant. They have a classic peach appearance, with a fuzzy skin that covers the juicy, sweet flesh inside. The skin showcases a delightful blend of colors, typically a warm, rosy blush over a yellow or cream background. The fruit typically ripens in mid to late summer, depending on the climate and conditions. Leaf-wise, this peach tree has elongated leaves that are pointed at the tip, and they sport a smooth margin along the edges. Their color is a rich green, which provides a lovely contrast to the fruit and flowers when present. The overall growth habit of the 'Duke of York' is such that it creates an attractive shape, although specific measurements of its dimensions are not to be mentioned. Throughout the growing season, the 'Duke of York' embodies the quintessential look of a fruit-bearing deciduous tree, with the cycles of flowering, leafing, and fruiting all contributing to its aesthetic appeal.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Duke of York Peach, Peach 'Duke of York'.
Common names
Prunus persica 'Duke of York' (F)
ToxicityTo humans
The Prunus persica, commonly known as the peach tree, harbors toxicity primarily in its leaves, stems, and especially in the seeds/pits. The seeds contain amygdalin, a compound that can metabolize into cyanide, a toxic substance, when ingested. If a person consumes enough of these seeds or pits, symptoms of cyanide poisoning may ensue, which can include headache, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and can even be fatal in severe cases. The flesh of the peach fruit itself, however, is not toxic and is edible.
To pets
The peach tree, known as Prunus persica, is also toxic to pets due to the presence of amygdalin in its leaves, stems, and especially the seeds or pits. When pets, such as dogs or cats, ingest these parts of the plant, the amygdalin can convert to cyanide in their bodies. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning in pets can include drooling, dilated pupils, breathing difficulties, abdominal pain, collapse, and potentially death. It is important to ensure that pets do not have access to chew on the seeds, leaves, or stems of peach trees. The fruit's flesh, when free of pits, is not toxic to pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Spread
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Offers aesthetic appeal with its beautiful blossoms and attractive foliage.
- Edible Fruit: Produces peaches that can be used in various culinary applications.
- Shade Provider: Mature trees can offer a pleasant shade in gardens and landscapes.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Attracts pollinators such as bees and provides food for various birds and insects.
- Seasonal Interest: Adds seasonal beauty through spring blossoms and summer fruits.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The wood of the peach tree can be used for smoking meats, imparting a sweet and fruity flavor that is relatively mild compared to other woods like hickory or oak.
- Peach leaves can be steeped to make a mildly fragrant tea, though this is not a common practice and care needs to be taken due to the presence of compounds that can be harmful in larger quantities.
- Crushed peach kernels can be added to exfoliating scrubs as a natural abrasive to help remove dead skin cells.
- Peach tree gum, the resinous sap, can be used as a natural adhesive or as an ingredient in food as a thickener, albeit not commonly.
- As a natural dye, components derived from peach parts can be used to create subtle tints for fabrics and crafts.
- Peach kernel oil, extracted from the seeds, is used as a carrier oil for massage and in aromatherapy due to its moisturizing properties.
- In composting, peach leaves and or prunings can contribute to the organic matter that helps improve soil structure and fertility.
- Dried peach wood chips can be added to potpourris for a sweet, fruity scent that can subtly fragrance a room.
- The dense wood of the peach tree may be utilized in the making of small wooden crafts or utensils such as spoons or decorative figures.
- Beekeeping: Peach blossoms provide an early source of nectar and pollen for bees, which is essential for hive health and honey production in the spring.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Peach Tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Peach Tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: Peach trees, including Prunus persica 'Duke of York', often symbolize longevity and eternal life due to their long fruit-bearing lifespan.
- Youth and Immortality: Peaches are traditionally associated with youthfulness and immortality, particularly in Chinese mythology where the gods were thought to drink peach nectar to remain forever young.
- Good Luck: In many cultures, peach trees are considered to bring good luck, especially when planted in the vicinity of one's home.
- Love and Romance: The blossoms of the peach tree are considered romantic, being associated with purity and bridal hopes, representing love and affection in certain cultures.
- Fertility: Peaches are often connected to fertility and abundance due to their prolific nature and the bountiful harvests the trees can produce.
- Protection: In some folklore, peach trees are believed to have protective properties, warding off evil spirits with their wood and blossoms.
- Renewal and Rejuvenation: The blooming of peach trees in spring is seen as a sign of renewal and the refreshing of nature, symbolizing the cycle of rebirth and rejuvenation.
WaterPeach trees, such as the Duke of York, generally require deep and infrequent watering to encourage a strong root system. During the growing season, provide about 36-48 ounces of water per week. This amount should be increased during periods of drought or extreme heat, possibly doubling the weekly amount. It’s important to reduce watering as the fruit begins to ripen, to improve the flavor. During the winter dormancy, reduce watering significantly, only ensuring the root area doesn’t completely dry out.
LightPeach trees like the Duke of York thrive in full sunlight and should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. They are best planted in a spot that has clear exposure to the sun from the south or west to ensure they get enough light and warmth throughout the day. Avoid planting in areas that are shaded for significant parts of the day.
TemperaturePeach trees such as the Duke of York prefer moderate temperatures and can tolerate a range from approximately 0°F to 85°F—though they require a period of chill hours between 32°F and 45°F to produce fruit properly. The ideal growing temperatures for peach trees are between 75°F and 85°F. Protect trees from late spring frost, which can damage blossoms and affect fruit production.
PruningPruning a Duke of York peach tree is necessary to improve air circulation, to shape the tree, and to remove any dead or diseased wood. Prune in the late winter to early spring while the tree is still dormant, before the sap starts to run. Thinning out crowded branches every year ensures the health of the tree and better quality fruit. Cut back the new growth from the previous year by about a half to maintain size and to encourage fruit production.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe peach tree prefers well-draining, sandy loam soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth. Amend with compost and peat moss to improve fertility and structure.
RepottingThe peach tree, being a fruit tree, is typically not repotted as it is commonly planted directly in the ground. Young trees may be repotted if initially grown in containers, but once established, they should be transplanted outdoors.
Humidity & MistingPeach trees thrive in moderate humidity levels and do not require specific humidity adjustments when grown outdoors in their appropriate climate zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Growing peaches indoors is not feasible; they need outdoor conditions.
Outdoor
Choose a sunny spot, plant in well-drained soil, and protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe 'Duke of York' is a variety of peach tree that starts its life as a seed. After planting, the seed germinates and a seedling emerges, going through vegetative growth where it develops its root system and foliage. As the tree matures, it enters the flowering stage, typically in early spring, where it produces pink blossoms that are pollinated by insects. Following pollination, the flowers develop into peaches, with the fruit growing and ripening through the summer. Once ripe, the peaches are harvested, and the tree enters a period of dormancy in the fall and winter to conserve energy. The peach tree, if well-maintained, can continue this annual cycle of growth, flowering, fruiting, and dormancy for several years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the peach tree 'Duke of York' is by grafting, specifically bud grafting or chip budding. This technique is typically performed in late summer when the bark peels easily. A healthy, disease-free branch from the 'Duke of York' peach tree is selected as a scion. A bud, along with a small piece of bark, is cut from the scion. The rootstock, which should be actively growing, is prepared by making a T-shaped cut in the bark. The bud is then inserted under the flaps of bark created by the T-cut. The bud is secured in place with budding tape or rubber bands, which are left on the graft until the following spring when they are removed after the bud has started to grow.
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