Plant Details

Prunus dulcis

Almond

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Prunus dulcis.

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Common names

3 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Almond
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • Amandelboom
French
  • Amandier
Sources & name notes

Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

General information

Scientific name: Prunus dulcis
Taxonomic placement (Kew): Prunus amygdalus Batsch View name reference ↗

The linked almond source specifies Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A.Webb, a synonym in Kew. The different Prunus dulcis Rouchy name refers to cherry and is excluded.

Sources [2] [3] [4]
Botanical family: Rosaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Prunus (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Almond

Plant characteristics

Layer: Nut tree
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Growth rate: Moderate
Foliage: Deciduous

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 6-9
Soil moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Full sun

Uses

Edible parts:
Oil, Seed
Edibility rating:
(4)
Medicinal rating:
(2)
Functions:
Adhesive, Dye, Gum, Oil, Wood, Cosmetic use

Description

Seeds can be eaten raw, cooked, dried, and ground into a powder for use in baked goods, etc. The whole seed can also be roasted, sprouted, or used in baked goods, sweets, and pies. The sweet varieties have a delightful taste, while the bitter varieties are not safe to eat in large quantities due to their toxicity. The seed is somewhat hard to digest and should be thoroughly kneaded. It can be mixed with water to make almond milk. Edible oil can be obtained from the seeds, mainly used as a food flavoring and for cooking. Edible gum can be obtained from damaged stems.

Harvest

Harvest starts: 20/08
Harvest ends: 10/10

Crown

Crown shape: Broad pyramidal
Crown density: Dense crown

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: Botanical family
    Relevant sections
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 343710; name ID 2958711; Prunus L.. Family column.

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.

  2. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Prunus amygdalus Batsch
    Supports: Taxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: Name heading and taxonomic status; The linked almond source specifies Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A.Webb, a synonym in Kew. The different Prunus dulcis Rouchy name refers to cherry and is excluded.

    Source checked on .

  3. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A.Webb
    Supports: Taxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: Taxonomic synonyms or horticultural name section. The linked almond source specifies Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A.Webb, a synonym in Kew. The different Prunus dulcis Rouchy name refers to cherry and is excluded.

    Source checked on .

  4. Plants For A Future Prunus dulcis - (Mill.)D.A.Webb.
    Supports: Taxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: Catalogue source profile: authorship and name context only. The linked almond source specifies Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A.Webb, a synonym in Kew. The different Prunus dulcis Rouchy name refers to cherry and is excluded.

    Source checked on .