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Summary
Siberian apricot is a deciduous shrub, native to eastern China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia and eastern Siberia, growing to 3m (10ft). An edible oil resembling olive oil is obtained from the seed, and used as a substitute for almond flavouring. The fruit is eaten raw or cooked, and is a good size: about 25mm x 25mm (1in), and contains one large seed. The fruit is occasionally eaten but is sour and scarcely edible. The fruit seed is eaten raw or cooked and has a bitter taste. If the seed is too bitter do not eat it. Siberian apricot can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or full sun. The fruit is harvested in early to mid-summer.
As a Carbon Farming Solution plant, Siberian apricot is a staple oil crop and an industrial oil crop. Sometimes misspelt as Prunus siberica.
Physical Characteristics
Prunus_sibirica is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in March, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Armeniaca sibirica. Sometimes misspelt as Prunus siberica.
Plant Habitats
Edible Uses
Fruit - raw or cooked[2, 105]. A good size, it is about 25mm x 25mm and contains one large seed[200]. Sour and scarcely edible[11, 266]. The fruit is occasionally eaten. Seed - raw or cooked. A bitter taste[11], they are normally used as an almond flavouring[74, 105]. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes above on toxicity. An edible oil is obtained from the seed[183] - it is used as an almond flavouring[74]. The oil resembles olive oil[183].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
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The seed is analgesic, antiasthmatic, antiseptic, antitussive and emollient[176]. It is used in the treatment of coughs, asthma, acute or chronic bronchitis and constipation[176]. The seed contains amygdalin and prunasin, substances which break down in water to form hydrocyanic acid (cyanide or prussic acid). In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being[238].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
A potential rootstock for apricots[113]. A green dye can be obtained from the leaves[168]. A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit[168].
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Thrives in a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil, growing well on limestone[11, 200]. Prefers some lime in the soil but is likely to become chlorotic if too much lime is present[1]. Succeeds in sun or partial shade though it fruits better in a sunny position[11, 200]. This species is reputed to be hardy to about -50°c and as such is of potential use for conferring greater cold tolerance in breeding programmes with the closely related apricot, P. armeniaca. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged[238]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[200].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant Propagation
Seed - requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[200]. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as early in the year as possible[200]. Protect the seed from mice etc. The seed can be rather slow, sometimes taking 18 months to germinate[113]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in a greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July/August in a frame[11, 200]. Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants in spring to early summer in a frame[200]. Layering in spring.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
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Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Weed Potential
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Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
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Botanical References
11200266
Links / References
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Subject : Prunus_sibirica
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