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Several kinds of domestic fruit trees and ornamental flowering
varieties grow well in Salida. Because they are closely related
and thrive under similar environmental conditions, they are presented
together here. All prefer full sun, well-drained soil, and thrive
best with regular watering, especially during fruit set.
Given these conditions, they are hardy and will thrive for a long
time, hence the lovely examples of large, old apples, cherry trees,
flowering crabapples, and the smaller flowering plums, visible in
yards around town. Apricot trees prefer richer soil and are less
cold-hardy. They are best planted in sheltered locations.
Apple
Malus domesticus (many varieties)
Height: 20’
(standard trees)
Crown Spread: 25’
Growth Rate: moderate
Flowers: white to pinkish
Fruit: varies from red to yellow to green, most
varieties require cross pollination to set fruit
Problems: coddling moth, leaf rollers, fireblight,
canker, borers, scale, cedar apple rust
Street Tree: not recommended because of fruit drop
Plum, Flowering
Prunus cerasifera
Height: 15’
Crown Spread: 15’
Growth Rate: moderate
Flowers: white or pink, very fragrant
Foliage: dark green or purple
Fruit: purplish or red fruit, fruitless varieties
available
Problems: pests include saw fly, aphids, borers,
scale, tent caterpillars; trees are short-lived; spring frost can
kill flowers; not suited to dry, windy locations.
Comments: Prunus Americana, wild plum, is a shrubby
native relative that also produces edible fruit.
Street Tree: suitable, if non fruiting variety
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Apricot
Prunus armeniaca
Height: 15’
Crown Spread: 20’
Growth Rate: moderate
Flowers: white or pink
Foliage: green turning yellow in fall
Fruit: edible, up to three inches in diameter
Problems: twig borer, thirps, peach crown borer,
aphids
Comments: Depending on the variety, requires cross
pollination. Apricots flower early; late frosts may kill fruit.
Street Tree: not recommended because of fruit drop
Flowering branch of a Crabapple
Crabapple
Malus (many varieties)
Height: 20’
Crown Spread: 20’
Growth Rate: moderate
Flowers: white, pink or red, depending on variety
Foliage: ranges from green to purple
Fruit: small, persistent, can be used for jelly,
attractive to birds; fruitless varieties available
Problems: fireblight (resistant varieties available),
canker, borers, scale, aphids
Comments: Fruitless varieties are more appropriate
for street trees.
Street Tree: fruitless recommended
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