A Japanese apricot tree located near Wickson Hall on the University of California, Davis campus has begun to bloom, signaling an early sign of spring. The tree, identified by a plaque as “Japanese Apricot, Prune mume dawn,” was planted in honor of Dr. William Tufts on March 7, 1963, by the Landscape Horticulture Forum. Both Dr. Tufts and his son served as pomology professors at UC Davis.
The blooming tree stands out with its pink flowers during winter and attracts honey bees and syrphid flies seeking nectar. Students passing by are joined by squirrels often seen searching for food nearby.
The Japanese apricot is an ornamental deciduous tree native to parts of China and Laos but is widely cultivated in Japan, where there are many cultivars. According to North Carolina State University Extension, “The Japanese flowering apricot is an important tree in Chinese culture and has been cultivated for over 1500 years,” and “The five petals of the flower are said to represent five blessings that include wealth, health, love of virtue, old age, and natural death. Although it did not originate In Japan, it is grown extensively there and boasts up to 300 cultivars…The genus, Prunus, is derived from Latin and means plum or cherry. The epithet, mume, is the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese name for this plant.”
NCSU also notes: “This tree is resistant to most insects and diseases. Potential insect pests of the Japanese flowering apricot tree include aphids, scales, borers, spider mites, and tent caterpillars. The tree is susceptible to bacterial canker, honey fungus, silver leaf, and brown rot. In winter, cold temperatures may damage the flowers and fruits. The fruits can be messy if allowed to just fall to the ground. Trees that are grafted on peach rootstocks may be attacked by the peach tree borer. The leaves, stems, and seeds are toxic to dogs, cats, or horses if ingested.”
However, these parts are not toxic to honey bees or syrphid flies that visit during its early bloom.
