Prunus cerasifera

Prunus cerasifera is a species of Prunus, the genus that includes cherries, plums, and peaches. It is commonly known as the cherry plum or myrobalan plum. Native to Southeast Europe and Western Asia, Prunus cerasifera is a popular ornamental tree for garden and landscaping use, grown for its very early flowering of pink or white blossoms.

Description

Prunus cerasifera is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that grows to 15–30 feet tall with a trunk up to 1.5 feet diameter. The leaves are 1.2–3 inches long, alternate, simple, and have a serrated margin. The flowers are white or pale pink and about 1 inch in diameter. The fruit is a drupe, 1–1.5 inches in diameter, yellow or red, and contains a single hard-shelled seed.

Cultivation and uses

Prunus cerasifera is widely grown as an ornamental tree, both in its native area and elsewhere throughout the temperate regions of the world. Its early flowering, in late winter or early spring, is highly valued. The flowers are often followed by good autumn color. Numerous cultivars have been developed, many of them selected for purple foliage, such as P c. 'Pissardii'.

In addition to ornamental use, Prunus cerasifera is also a valuable plant in the culinary world. The fruit is edible and can be used in jams and jellies. The wood is hard and of a fine grain. It can be used in carpentry or to produce a high-quality charcoal.

Ecology

Prunus cerasifera is a food source for various species of Lepidoptera, such as the moth Proserpinus proserpina. It is also a host plant for the Japanese Beetle, an invasive species in North America.

See also

• Prunus
• Ornamental tree
• Drupe

References

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