Peach
Prunus persica
Fruit TreeAbout Peach
The Peach tree is a popular, relatively short-lived fruit tree producing the beloved fuzzy-skinned stone fruit. It requires careful management of pests and diseases but rewards growers with abundant, sweet harvests. Peach trees bloom early and are susceptible to late frost damage to flowers.
Quick Facts
How to Identify Peach
- Long, narrow, finely serrated, lance-shaped leaves
- Pink, five-petaled blossoms appear before leaves in early spring
- Round, fuzzy fruit with a single large pit
- Smooth, reddish-gray bark with horizontal lenticels
- Spreading, rounded canopy on a short trunk
Care Guide
- Prune heavily each winter to an open-center form for light and air circulation
- Thin fruit to 6-8 inches apart in early summer for larger peaches
- Apply fungicide at bud swell to prevent peach leaf curl
- Water deeply and regularly during fruit development
- Monitor for peach tree borers and oriental fruit moth
Known Issues (3)
Spotted Lanternfly
MODERATEI’m from CT so I literally stopped in my tracks to record this. People of Illinois, THIS IS A VERY INVASIVE INSECT!! Although the primary host is tree of heaven, it also feeds on over 70(!) other species of plants, including natives and crops. KILL ON SIGHT!! It is an absolute nightmare back home, and I’ve been dreading the day I’d see one here.
Affecting 21 regions
Japanese Beetle
MODERATEAn invasive beetle introduced to New Jersey in 1916. Adults skeletonize leaves of over 300 plant species while larvae (grubs) damage turf grass roots. They are particularly damaging to linden, birch, and fruit trees.
Affecting 35 regions
Armillaria Root Rot
HIGHOne of the most widespread and destructive forest diseases in the world, caused by a complex of honey mushroom species. It attacks stressed trees through root contact and can persist in dead stumps for decades, infecting nearby healthy trees.
Affecting 36 regions