Moongold Apricot
Prunus armeniaca
Moongold Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 15–20 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun. Apricot blooms very early, bud-kill from late spring frosts is the norm, fruiting years are infrequent.
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended
- Botanical name
- Prunus armeniaca
- Variety / cultivar
- Moongold, Moorpark
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 15–20 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~20 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Short-lived
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- pink, white
- Bloom time
- early spring, mid spring
- Pollinator value
- high
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
- Borers (peachtree and lesser borer)
- Black knot (galls on twigs)
- Aphids and leaf curl
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Moongold Apricot good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Moongold Apricot is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Moongold Apricot get?
- It matures to about 15–20 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide.
- How much room does Moongold Apricot need?
- Give Moongold Apricot about 20 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Moongold Apricot grow into?
- Moongold Apricot typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Moongold Apricot hardy on the Front Range?
- Moongold Apricot is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Moongold Apricot need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Moongold Apricot grow?
- Moongold Apricot is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Moongold Apricot live?
- Moongold Apricot is relatively short-lived for a tree, so plan to replace it sooner than a long-lived shade tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Moongold Apricot safe for dogs?
- No. Moongold Apricot is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Moongold Apricot deer-resistant?
- No. Moongold Apricot is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Moongold Apricot prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Moongold Apricot can be affected by borers (peachtree and lesser borer) and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
