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Black Apricot

Prunus x dasycarpa
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Prunus x dasycarpa (Black Apricot) — botanical photograph
Pl. 25ED — Prunus x dasycarpa
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I

Overview

Black Apricot (Prunus x dasycarpa) is a deciduous tree native to regions of China and Central Asia including Inner Mongolia, Manchuria, and Xinjiang. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-8 and can grow up to 4.5 meters tall. Known for its edible fruit and seeds, Black Apricot has been cultivated for its fruit, which can be enjoyed fresh or used in various culinary applications. Its distinctive feature lies in its adaptability across diverse climates and soil types, making it a valuable addition to gardens and orchards in suitable regions.

Quick answers

What is Black Apricot?

Black Apricot (Prunus x dasycarpa) is a deciduous tree native to regions of China and Central Asia including Inner Mongolia, Manchuria, and Xinjiang. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).

What is Black Apricot used for?

Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.

Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Black Apricot
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Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
II

Benefits & evidence

1 claim · traditional-use context
Traditional-use context
These notes are presented as ethnobotanical context. No cited clinical references are catalogued for this plant yet.
  • Black Apricot seeds have been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to support digestion and alleviate digestive discomfort, often prepared as a decoction.

    The seeds contain compounds such as amygdalin which may help with digestive issues by promoting gastric motility. However, the specific mechanism is not fully characterised.

    ▲ ModerateDigestion →
IV·b

Mixology suggestions

1 draft
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Black Apricot support blend
general
tea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Black Apricot thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that is well-draining but can tolerate light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) types. It grows best in hardiness zones 4-8, making it suitable for temperate regions. This tree reaches a height of about 4.5 meters and requires regular watering to maintain its health. For propagation, consider using seeds or grafting methods.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Habit
Tree
Mature size
4.5 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Black Apricot for the first time

8steps

Start with a simple planting of Black Apricot to gain experience in growing trees.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A young Black Apricot tree, garden gloves, and a shovel.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant the tree in early spring or late autumn when temperatures are mild.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5; prepare a hole twice as wide but not deeper than the root ball.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant the young tree into its permanent spot, ensuring it's upright and firm the soil around the roots.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water the tree thoroughly after planting; keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during this period.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun exposure for at least 6 hours a day and regular watering, especially in dry periods. Fertilize once a year with organic compost.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune the tree annually to maintain shape and remove dead branches; harvest fruit when it turns dark purple.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Planting too deep, overwatering, neglecting winter protection in colder regions, not providing enough sunlight, and using chemical fertilizers.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: The Black Apricot (Prunus x dasycarpa) is eaten for its fruit and seeds. The fruit can be consumed raw or cooked in various dishes. Seeds are also utilized, often dried before use. Both parts add a unique flavor to culinary creations.
Other uses:Dye
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

10 native · 109 introduced
Distribution across4 continents· 10 native· 109 introduced
Europe14 regions
introduced (14)AlbaniaBulgariaCyprusFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwitzerlandUkraine
Asia17 regions
native (3)ChinaKazakhstanUzbekistan
introduced (14)AfghanistanChinaGeorgiaIndiaIranJapanKazakhstanLaosPakistanSouth KoreaTurkeyTurkmenistanUzbekistanVietnam
Americas2 regions
introduced (2)EcuadorEl Salvador
Africa8 regions
introduced (8)AlgeriaCabo VerdeEthiopiaKenyaLibyaMauritiusMoroccoTunisia
Broader regions
native:Kirgizstan, Kriti
introduced:Alabama, Argentina Northwest, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, East Himalaya, Florida, Free State, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Kirgizstan, Kriti, KwaZulu-Natal, Lebanon-Syria, Louisiana, Maine, Marianas, Maryland, Masachusettes, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New South Wales, New York, New Zealand North, North Carolina, Northern Provinces, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Queensland, Réunion, Rhode I., Rodrigues, South Australia, South Carolina, St.Helena, Tadzhikistan, Tennessee, Texas, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Himalaya, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Yugoslavia
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Prunus x dasycarpa (Black Apricot) — botanical photograph
Black Apricot (Prunus x dasycarpa)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

Growing zone
XII

About this entry

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