# Nectarine Tree (*Citrus sinensis*)

Orange Trees are famous for their bright, juicy oranges! They have lovely flowers that smell sweet.

- **Category:** [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/tree)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Orchards and warm climates

![Nectarine Tree](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771425847/objects/4823.jpg)

## Appearance

The Nectarine Tree is a small, spreading deciduous tree with a rounded crown. It has slender branches bearing long, lance-shaped green leaves. In spring, it bursts into showy pink or white blossoms before developing smooth-skinned, red-orange fruit.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Tracheophyta
- **Class:** Magnoliopsida
- **Order:** Sapindales
- **Family:** Rutaceae
- **Genus:** Citrus

## Interesting facts

- China is where nectarines were first cultivated, over 4,000 years ago!
- Nectarines are just peaches without the fuzzy skin—a natural genetic variation!
- Some nectarine trees can produce fruit that weighs over a pound each!
- The name 'nectarine' comes from 'nectar,' describing its super sweet, juicy flesh.

## Special abilities

- **Smooth Skin Shield:** Nectarine Tree has a naturally smooth fruit skin that helps protect its juicy flesh from some pests.
- **Early Bloom Power:** Nectarine Tree can blossom early in spring, attracting pollinators when fewer other food sources are available.
- **Hard Pit Defense:** Nectarine Tree has a hard central pit that protects its precious seed from being digested by animals.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 3-6 m
- **Spread:** 3-6 m
- **Edible:** Yes
- **Size:** 15-30 cm
- **Lifespan:** 15-25 years
- **Fruit Type:** Nectarine (Drupe)
- **Growth Rate:** Medium
- **Leaf Type:** Deciduous

## Ecological connections

- **Pollinates:** European Honey Bee (*Apis mellifera*) — Visits blossoms to collect nectar and pollen.
- **Eaten by:** [Codling Moth](https://www.snappit.app/explore/codling-moth) (*Carpocapsa pomonella*) — Larvae bore into the fruit, causing damage.
- **Shelter:** [House Sparrow](https://www.snappit.app/explore/house-sparrow) (*Passer domesticus*) — Builds nests within the tree's protective branches.

## Traits

- [Deciduous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
- [Fragrant Flower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fragrant-flower): Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
- [Fruit Tree](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fruit-tree): A fruit tree is a perennial tree that produces fruit, which is edible to humans or animals.
- [Edible](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/edible): Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
- [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
- [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.

## Collections

- [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/trees)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Nectarine Tree?

Compare leaves or needles, how they attach to the twig, buds, bark and the shape of the crown. Lobed leaves are useful clues, but several unrelated trees share a similar outline. Tree Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Nectarine Tree?

3-6 m

### How wide does Nectarine Tree spread?

3-6 m

### Is Nectarine Tree edible?

Yes

### How big is Nectarine Tree?

15-30 cm

### How long does Nectarine Tree live?

15-25 years

### Where is Nectarine Tree usually found?

Orchards and warm climates

### What kind of fruit does Nectarine Tree produce?

Nectarine (Drupe)

## More Trees

- [English Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/english-oak) (*Quercus robur*)
- [Sessile Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sessile-oak) (*Quercus petraea*)
- [Northern Red Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-red-oak) (*Quercus rubra*)
- [White Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-oak) (*Quercus alba*)

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Source: [Nectarine Tree: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/nectarine-tree)