Almond
Prunus amygdalus
Formerly Prunus dulcis · also Amygdalus communis
Climate Match for your location
See how well Almond grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
A medium-sized deciduous tree valued for its nutritious nuts, featuring fragrant pink or white blossoms in early spring and attractive feathery foliage. Highly drought-tolerant once established, making it excellent for arid and Mediterranean climates.
Why grow it
Almonds outperform many other nut trees in water-limited settings, requiring significantly less irrigation once established compared to walnuts or pecans. The tree also provides early spring ornamental interest through its abundant blossoms, adding value beyond nut production. In suitable climates (USDA zones 5-9, with preference for zones 7-9), almonds can produce reliably higher yields per acre than many alternative crops on marginal land.
Watch out for
Almond trees require a period of winter chilling and may not set fruit reliably in very mild climates or in years with warm winters. They are susceptible to several fungal diseases in humid conditions, particularly brown rot and shot hole, which can reduce yields significantly. Establishing trees typically requires 3-5 years before substantial nut production begins, and cross-pollination is necessary for most varieties, so dual plantings are usually needed. Bitter almonds, the leaves and the pits contain cyanide compounds; eat only sweet almonds.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean and Central Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
Popular cultivars include 'Nonpareil' and 'Marcona' (prized for larger kernels and flavor), and 'All in One' and 'Carmel' (self-fertile varieties suited to home gardens). Early blooming types like 'Merced' are useful in regions with late frosts.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A medium-sized deciduous tree valued for its nutritious nuts, featuring fragrant pink or white blossoms in early spring and attractive feathery foliage. Highly drought-tolerant once established, making it excellent for arid and Mediterranean climates.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Almond grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Almonds outperform many other nut trees in water-limited settings, requiring significantly less irrigation once established compared to walnuts or pecans. The tree also provides early spring ornamental interest through its abundant blossoms, adding value beyond nut production. In suitable climates (USDA zones 5-9, with preference for zones 7-9), almonds can produce reliably higher yields per acre than many alternative crops on marginal land.
Watch out for
Almond trees require a period of winter chilling and may not set fruit reliably in very mild climates or in years with warm winters. They are susceptible to several fungal diseases in humid conditions, particularly brown rot and shot hole, which can reduce yields significantly. Establishing trees typically requires 3-5 years before substantial nut production begins, and cross-pollination is necessary for most varieties, so dual plantings are usually needed. Bitter almonds, the leaves and the pits contain cyanide compounds; eat only sweet almonds.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean and Central Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar sub-canopy trees you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
Popular cultivars include 'Nonpareil' and 'Marcona' (prized for larger kernels and flavor), and 'All in One' and 'Carmel' (self-fertile varieties suited to home gardens). Early blooming types like 'Merced' are useful in regions with late frosts.