Other common names
dwarf almond
Synonyms
Amygdalus nana
Prunus nana
Trees
A species of small, slow-growing, upright deciduous shrub to around 1.5m in height, with narrow, glossy dark green foliage, turning to pale yellow in the autumn, and woody stems. Red buds open to bowl-shaped pink flowers appear before the leaves open in April to May, and have a faint scent of bitter almonds. Small, almond-shaped fruits encased in a dull yellow, furry case, follow in July to August. Although the fruits are edible, they vary in quality and the more bitter seeds may be toxic if consumed in large quantities. These shrubs are produced as an ornamental plant rather than an edible crop within the UK
Position
Full sun
Soil Types
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand