Manchurian Apricot

General 
Scientific Name: Prunus armeniaca var. mandshurica 
Family: Rosaceae (Rose) 
Hardiness: Zone 3 
Leaves: Deciduous 
Plant Type: Tree 

Growth 
Rate: Medium 
Mature Height: 10’-15’ 
Longevity: Medium 
Power Line: Yes 

Ornamental 
Flowers: White to pink 
Fruit: Small red stone fruit 
Fall Color: Yellow to orange

A small, upright, fast growing tree with a rounded, spreading form. Manchurian apricot is winter hardy and drought resistant. Native to Manchuria and Korea, it is known for its superb early spring flower display and golden orange fall color. It also produces edible fruit. Its early flowering does make it susceptible to spring frost damage.

Light: Full sun. 
Water: Will not withstand ponding, moderately drought tolerant. 
Soil: Grows best in loam soils with a pH of 6-7.5.

Apricots are more productive when cross-pollinated from a different cultivar. Cultivated varieties include: 

Mandan apricot (Prunus armeniaca var. mandshurica ‘Mandan’) - Released by USDA-ARS, Northern Great Plains Research Station, Mandan, North Dakota. A seed strain cultivar. 

‘Moongold’ and ‘Sungold’ apricots - Released by U. Minnesota. These two cultivars should be used together for cross-pollination. 

Other cold-hardy cultivars that also produce excellent fruit include: ‘Scout’, ‘Debbie’s Gold’, ‘Westcot’, and ‘Brookcot’.

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Manchurian Apricot

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Manchurian Apricot

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Manchurian Apricot