Prunus

Prunus is a genus of trees and shrubs in the Rosaceae family, comprising about 30 to 35 species. Members produce stone fruits and are cultivated for fruit and ornament. The genus includes cherries, plums, peaches, apricots, nectarines (a form of P. persica), and almonds.

Prunus species are typically deciduous trees or shrubs with simple, alternate leaves. Flowers appear in early spring, often before leaves, and are usually white or pale pink with five petals, arranged in clusters. The fruit is a drupe with a single stone.

Native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, especially Asia and Europe, Prunus species have been cultivated worldwide. Many rely on insect pollinators; several cultivars are self-incompatible and require cross-pollination. Some species have become naturalized outside their native ranges.

Key species include Prunus avium (sweet cherry), Prunus cerasus (sour cherry), Prunus domestica (European plum), Prunus salicina (Japanese plum), Prunus persica (peach), Prunus armeniaca (apricot), and Prunus dulcis (almond). The kernels of some species contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide if crushed; edible kernels should be consumed cautiously. Prunus is widely used in grafted fruit tree systems to control vigor and adaptability.