Deciduous orchards in California are typically open, single species tree-dominated habitats, with an open understory. These orchards include apples, almonds, apricots, cherries, figs, nectarines, peaches, pears, pecans, pistachios, plums, pomegranates, prunes, and walnuts. Almonds are by far the most widespread orchard type, followed by walnuts, prunes and peaches.
DISTRIBUTION:
Deciduous orchards can be found on flat alluvial soils in valley floors, in rolling foothill areas, or on relatively steep slopes. Most are in valley floors but a few, such as apples and pears, grow at elevations up to 1,000 meters. Most are irrigated, usually with sprinklers or drip irrigation, although some may be flood irrigated. Commercial deciduous orchards are grown in nearly every county in the state except Alpine, Lassen, Modoc, Mono, Plumas, San Francisco, and Trinity. This type is most widespread in the Great Central Valley and to a lesser extent in southern coastal plains and valleys.
Source: Adapted by the California Gap Analysis Project from the California Wildlife Habitat Relationships system (Schultze, 1994).