Prunus fasciculata

(Torr.) A. Gray

Wild almond, Desert almond

Rosaceae Edible: Fruit, Seeds Some parts mildly toxic — see hazards 3,031 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Prunus fasciculata, also known as wild almond, desert almond, or desert peach, is a spiny and woody shrub producing wild almonds, native to western deserts of North America.

Description

A shrub. It grows 1.8-3 m high and spreads 2 m wide. It loses its leaves during the year. It has many branches from a central trunk. The leaves are small. The flowers are small and white. They are in clusters. The fruit are felted and brown. They are 12 mm wide.

Edible Uses

The fruit is dry and can be eaten raw or cooked. Some native North American Indian tribes considered it a great delicacy and an important food source. Each fruit is about 12mm in diameter and contains one large seed. The seed is also edible raw or cooked, but should not be eaten if it tastes too bitter.

Medicinal Uses

No specific research has been recorded for this species, but all members of the genus contain amygdalin and prunasin, compounds that break down in water to release hydrocyanic acid (prussic acid or cyanide). In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being.

Known Hazards

All Prunus species contain amygdalin and prunasin, which break down in water to form hydrocyanic acid; in small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion, and gives sense of well-being.

Distribution

Temperate. It grows in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 7-10.

Where It Grows

Australia, Mexico, North America, USA,

Propagation

Seed requires 2–3 months of cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Stored seed should be sown in a cold frame as early in the year as possible and protected from mice. Germination can be slow, sometimes taking 18 months. Prick out seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle, overwinter them in a greenhouse or cold frame, and plant out in late spring or early summer the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel can be taken in July/August in a frame. Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants can be taken in spring to early summer in a frame. Layering can be done in spring.

Other Uses

A green dye can be obtained from the leaves, and a dark grey to green dye from the fruit.

Notes

There are about 200 Prunus species.

Synonyms

Emplectocladus fasciculatus Torr.

Also Known As

Almendra del desierto

References (8)

Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 1094
Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 524
Krochmal, A. & Krochmal, C., 1982, Uncultivated Nuts of The United States. United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service. p 70
Moerman, D. F., 2010, Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press. p 442
Plants for a Future, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/

Show all 8 references

Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 10:70. 1874
Segura, S., et al, 2018, The edible fruit species in Mexico. Genet Resour Crop Evol (2018) 65:1767–1793
Wickens, G.E., 1995, Edible Nuts. FAO Non-wood forest products. FAO, Rome. p148