What Does an Apricot Tree Look Like?
If you have ever walked through an orchard and wondered, What does an apricot tree look like, you are not alone. Apricot trees are among the most beautiful and rewarding deciduous fruit trees, known for their early spring blossoms, lush summer foliage, and delicious golden-orange fruit.
Whether you’re spotting one in nature or hoping to grow your own, knowing how an apricot tree looks throughout the seasons makes it easier to identify and care for it.
Understanding the Apricot Tree
The apricot tree (Prunus armeniaca) belongs to the same family as peaches, plums, and cherries, all part of the stone fruit tree species. These trees are generally small to medium in size, featuring a rounded canopy and smooth gray bark that becomes slightly rougher with age.
A mature apricot tree typically reaches 15 to 25 feet in height, while dwarf varieties remain around 10 feet. These trees have a spreading growth habit, creating a broad, softly rounded canopy with well-balanced branches that make them both attractive and productive.
Apricot Tree Appearance Through the Seasons
The beauty of the apricot tree appearance in different seasons is one reason gardeners love growing them. Each season reveals a different stage of its life cycle:
Spring: This is when apricot blossoms take center stage. The tree bursts into a cloud of soft white or pinkish-white flowers, often before any leaves appear. These flowering fruit trees add a stunning display to gardens and orchards, sometimes blooming as early as late February in warmer climates.
Summer: As petals fall, vibrant green apricot tree leaves emerge. They are broad, ovate (egg-shaped), and finely serrated along the edges. The tree’s canopy becomes full and lush. By mid to late summer, clusters of apricots on tree begin to ripen, small, round fruits with smooth, velvety skin turning from pale yellow to rich orange.
Autumn:As temperatures cool, the apricot tree’s leaves and bark undergo noticeable color changes. The foliage turns a rich golden yellow, adding a warm autumn glow before it drops, while the bark’s gray tones stand out more clearly once the branches are bare.
Winter: In the dormant season, apricot fruit trees stand leafless, revealing their elegant branching form and smooth gray bark. This stage allows for pruning and tree inspection before the cycle starts again.
How to Identify an Apricot Tree?
Learning how to identify an apricot tree is simple once you know what features to look for.
Leaves: If you’re unsure what do apricot tree leaves look like, note their shape, heart-like with a pointed tip and smooth texture. They measure about 2 to 3 inches long and have a light green color on the underside.
Flowers: Many gardeners ask, what do apricot blossoms look like? The flowers are usually single, about an inch wide, with five petals. They appear early, often before frost fully retreats, and carry a faint sweet scent.
Bark and Branches: Young apricot trees feature smooth, gray bark, while older trees develop gentle ridges as they age. Their branches spread wide yet gracefully, creating the tree’s characteristic rounded silhouette.
Fruit: To confirm your identification, observe what does apricot fruit look like on the tree. The fruits are small, round, and golden-orange, with a thin, velvety skin. When ripe, they detach easily from the stem.
These visual clues make an excellent apricot tree identification guide for gardeners and fruit enthusiasts alike.
Apricot Tree Growth and Size
When planning your garden, it’s important to understand how tall do apricot trees grow. Standard trees reach about 20 to 25 feet in height with a similar spread, while self-pollinating apricot trees and dwarf varieties can stay compact, making them ideal for smaller backyards.
The apricot tree shape and size make it suitable for both ornamental and fruit-bearing purposes. With proper apricot tree care, including full sun, well-drained soil, and moderate watering, these trees thrive in most temperate climates.
When Does the Apricot Tree Bear Fruit?
Many new growers ask, when does the apricot tree bear fruit? Generally, apricots begin to produce within 3 to 4 years after planting. Blossoms appear in early spring, followed by small green fruits that mature by mid-summer.
In warm regions such as California and Arizona, apricot harvest season typically runs from May to July. As the fruit turns a rich golden color on the tree, it signals that the apricots are ready to be picked.
If you’re growing in a cooler region, be sure to plant cold-hardy or self-pollinating apricot trees, which adapt better and produce reliable yields even in unpredictable weather.
Also Read: How Much To Water New Tree?
Differences Between Apricot and Peach Trees
At a glance, apricots and peaches look similar, but subtle differences help you tell apricot trees apart from peach trees. Apricot leaves are rounder and smaller, while peach leaves are longer and more pointed.
The bark of an apricot tree is smoother, and its blossoms appear earlier in spring. Apricot fruits are smaller and have a matte, velvety skin, unlike the fuzzier, larger peaches.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Apricot Trees
If you’re planning on planting an apricot tree, understanding the right environment ensures success. Apricots prefer regions with cold winters and warm, dry summers. They thrive in USDA zones 5–9, making them adaptable but sensitive to late frost.
When exploring where apricots can grow, keep in mind that they require full sunlight — at least 6–8 hours a day — and well-drained, loamy soil. Avoid areas with consistently wet ground, as apricot roots are sensitive to waterlogging.
You can start how to plant an apricot tree from seed or buy young apricot plant for sale from trusted nurseries. Buying established apricot trees for sale ensures quicker fruiting and predictable results.0
Pro per apricot tree care ensures healthy growth and abundant harvests. Here are a few key practices:
Pruning: Regular pruning in winter removes dead wood and shapes the canopy for better airflow.
Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer each spring to support new growth.
Watering: Deep watering during dry spells keeps roots strong but avoid overwatering.
Pest & Disease Management: Watch for aphids or fungal diseases. A dormant spray in winter can prevent common issues.
With consistent care, your tree will reward you with years of vibrant apricots and lush seasonal beauty.
The Joy of Growing Apricots
Growing your own apricots brings both beauty and bounty. Apricot trees in bloom create a stunning spring display, and by summer, the sweet aroma of ripening fruit fills the air. Whether you’re a home gardener or a hobby grower, learning how apricots are grown deepens your connection to nature and your food source.
If you’re ready to start your own apricot growing journey, explore apricot fruit trees for sale from reputable local nurseries that specialize in healthy, region-suited varieties.
Recognizing what does an apricot tree look like is the first step to appreciating this beautiful and productive fruit tree. From its spring blossoms to its summer fruits, every stage tells a story of nature’s cycle and resilience. Whether you want a tree for your backyard or plan to build a small orchard, apricots promise both beauty and bounty.
At Karsten Nursery, we’re dedicated to helping you grow thriving fruit trees that fit your space and climate. Browse our collection of apricot trees for sale, including self-pollinating apricot trees and region-specific varieties.
Start your apricot-growing journey with Karsten Nursery today, where healthy roots lead to fruitful harvests.
Q1. How do I know if I have an apricot tree?
Look for smooth gray bark, heart-shaped leaves, and small golden-orange fruits. Early white or pink blossoms in spring are also a telltale sign.
Q2. How long does it take an apricot tree to grow fruit?
Most apricot trees begin bearing fruit within 3–4 years after planting, depending on variety and growing conditions.
Q3. What does an apricot tree leaf look like?
The leaves are broad, heart-shaped, and have finely serrated edges with a glossy green surface.
Q4. How big does an apricot tree grow?
Standard apricot trees can grow 15 to 25 feet tall, while dwarf or compact varieties stay around 10 to 12 feet.
