Cherry Plum
prunus cerasifera
Also known as: ["Myrobalan Plum","Gean Plum"]
Overview
A deciduous tree or large shrub known for its early spring flowers and edible fruits.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Prunus |
| Botanical Name: | Prunus cerasifera |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Fruits
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in full sun, protected from strong winds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required unless in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter; avoid heavy clay.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old wood if necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily), with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun; ensure proper placement for optimal light exposure.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; monitor for sunburn signs.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage, avoid waterlogging, and enrich with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth; tolerates winter lows to 0°F (-18°C) in dormant state.
Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize before new growth starts; water before and after application; avoid contact with roots.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in late autumn/winter.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings, apply hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for softwood cuttings; late autumn for hardwood cuttings.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F).
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Softwood cuttings root in 4–8 weeks; hardwood cuttings may take 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, rooting medium, plastic bags or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy, heading cuts to encourage branching, and removal of crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Shape the tree, remove dead/diseased wood, and encourage airflow and light penetration.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw, and sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead/diseased wood, shape the canopy, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant, trim roots if needed, refresh soil, ensure good drainage, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown specimens.
Checklist
Choose new pot, prepare fresh soil, trim roots, position plant, water, and place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting foliage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost, perlite, or sand to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat, delayed bud break in cold, or premature leaf drop in temperature stress.
Cold Stress
Slows metabolic processes, reduces water uptake, and may cause dieback of tender tissues.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base, protect with frost cloth in extreme cold, and avoid watering before freezing temperatures.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; flowers may abort; growth may stagnate.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase watering, and use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose correct fertilizer, apply at proper rate, water thoroughly, avoid foliage contact.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop feeding in late summer/autumn.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to cyanide poisoning from Prunus cerasifera. The leaves, seeds, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides that can cause rapid onset of toxicity, leading to severe respiratory and neurological effects. The seeds are especially hazardous due to their concentrated cyanide content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicDogs are susceptible to cyanide poisoning from the leaves, seeds, and stems of Prunus cerasifera. Cyanogenic glycosides in these parts can lead to severe metabolic disturbances, including hypoxia and metabolic acidosis. The seeds are particularly dangerous due to their high concentration of these compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicThe leaves, seeds, and stems of Prunus cerasifera contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide upon ingestion. This compound interferes with cellular respiration, leading to oxygen deprivation at the cellular level. The toxicity is particularly pronounced in the seeds, which are often found in the fruit.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the fruit of Prunus cerasifera edible?
A: Yes, the fruits are edible and can be eaten raw or used in cooking.
Q: Does Prunus cerasifera attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its flowers and fruits.
Q: Is Prunus cerasifera toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in large quantities.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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