Description

Desert peach is a plant of the eastern Sierra Nevada from Modoc to Kern Counties. It grows in a variety of settings from scrubland to woodland. It is rarely grown in the landscape, so its tolerance of low elevations is an open question. It is something of an experimental plant in the SF Bay Area. But its distinct characteristics make it worth the effort. Desert peach grows as a patch of interwoven, vertical branches. The branches are maroon tinted with silver. The twigs are tipped with a dull thorn. The bright green leaves are oval or lance-shaped, emerging in clusters following winter dormancy. In the spring, desert peach is covered with pink flowers. Each flower has five petals and many stamens, reminding us that the desert peach is in the rose family. Fruit appears in the summer. The fruit is about the size of a ping pong ball, similar to almond fruit in appearance. Plant desert peach in a sunny, well-draining location.