Cherry plum - Prunus cerasifera (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Toxic)

Cherry plum

Also known as: Purple leaf plum

Cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera) is a deciduous small tree or shrub native to Southern Europe and Western Asia. It is one of the most common wild fruits of its native region, producing numerous rounded, yellow, red, or burgundy-colored sweet juicy fruit in summer and autumn. Cherry plum is also used as an ornamental tree and as rootstock for other Prunus species.

Scientific classification

Species

Cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera)

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

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Toxic to Human & Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub, Tree

Plant Type

Spring

Bloom Time

Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

Harvest Time

8 m to 12 m

Plant Height

9 m

Spread

Green, Red, Yellow, Purple

Leaf Color

2 cm to 2.5 cm

Flower Size

Red, Yellow, Burgundy, Purple, Orange

Fruit Color

White, Pink

Flower Color

Red, Brown

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Cherry plum

Distribution of Cherry plum

Distribution Map

Cherry plum is native to Eurasia, where it grows in forest edges and grasslands. This plant has been cultivated worldwide, and has escaped cultivation to become invasive on the west coast of the United States.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Roadsides, stream banks, canyons, chaparral

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

As one of the earliest flowering trees in Europe, cherry plum has found its way into gardens across the Northern Hemisphere (though it is mildly invasive in parts of Asia). Growers of the cherry plum prize its variety of foliage and flower colors, as well as the early bloom time. These trees are frequently used as specimen pieces, tree borders, and even occasionally as "living sculptures." It works well in cottage, city, and Japanese gardens, particularly when planted alongside herbs like mint, rosemary, and sage.

Symbolism

Happiness, positive energy, rebirth, the coming of spring

Interesting Facts

Cherry plum plant is very special. In a green grove, its leaves are bright purple. Looking from afar, the thin trunks support lush crowns, creating beautiful scenery. When the cherry plum blooms, three or five flowers often bloom right next to each other, and the entire plant is full of blossoms.

Name Story

Cherry plum: They are one of the first batches of trees to blossom in the spring, and they blossom earlier than cherry blossoms. However, they are always mistaken for cherry blossoms because both of their flowers look similar to each other. Hence, they are called cherry plum.

Purple leaf plum: Although it looks similar to the cherry blossom tree, it is actually easy to distinguish Prunus cerasifera from the cherry blossom tree because of its purple leaves. Furthermore, it can maintain this unique purple color feature from spring to autumn. As it is also a deciduous tree, it is called the purple leaf plum.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Cherry plum, including the following common varieties :

Cherry plum 'Pissardii'Cherry plum 'Krauter Vesuvius'Cherry plum 'Thundercloud'Cherry plum 'Nigra'

Toxicity

The cherry plum plant contains cyanide precursors in all parts except the fruit. Humans, cats, and dogs can be poisoned through ingestion. Symptoms include agitation, muscle spasms, difficulty moving or speaking, and can lead to death. Immediate veterinary care is crucial for cats and dogs if they ingest cherry plum plant parts.

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Quickly Identify Cherry plum

Ovate leaves with serrated edges, shiny dark green with paler hairy undersides, 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) long.

Fragrant white flowers, 5-petaled, 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, blooming in clusters in April.

Round drupes, reddish to yellow, 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) across, containing a single hard seed inside.

Thin stem, dark reddish-brown to gray, 0.2 to 0.5 inches (5 to 12 mm) in diameter, with small buds.

Distinctive bark transitioning from smooth with lenticels to furrowed and ridged, offering age cues.

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Care Guide for Cherry plum

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Cherry plum thrives in moderate moisture typical of temperate regions, favoring consistent hydration without overwatering. Adjust watering to once every 1-2 weeks, maintaining lightly moist soil. Grown outdoors, it prefers well-draining soil that retains moisture to support its deciduous characteristics.

Fertilize: For optimal growth, cherry plum needs balanced nutrition. Use a 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer in spring and feed every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Apply 1/2 lb per inch of trunk diameter, watering thoroughly afterward. Reduce feeding in late summer to prepare for winter dormancy.

Pruning: Cherry plum showcases small, fragrant flowers and vibrant foliage. Prune from early to late winter, focusing on dead branches and crowding for better air circulation. Clean, sharp tools are essential to prevent disease. Consult reliable sources for optimal practices to enhance plant health and fruit production.

Propagation: Cherry plum is an ornamental tree valued for its blossoms and fruits. Propagation typically involves semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer, treated with rooting hormone, and placed in a moisture-retentive medium. High humidity and indirect light are crucial until rooting is established.

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Images of Cherry plum

Distribution of Cherry plum

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Cherry plum

Care Guide for Cherry plum

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