Pin Cherry, Fire Cherry

prunus pensylvanica

Also known as: ["Pin Cherry","Fire Cherry","Pennyroyal Cherry"]

Family: Rosaceae Genus: Prunus Category: Trees

Overview

A deciduous tree native to North America, known for its slender form, white flowers, and small red fruits.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","fast growing","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Prunus
Botanical Name: Prunus pensylvanica

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Trees
  • Suitable Location: naturalized areas, woodland edges, or as a specimen tree in a garden
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"-40–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–6"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining loam with organic matter; tolerates sandy or clay soils if amended.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter/early spring before bud break.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed for rejuvenation.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers/fruits.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate young plants to full sun gradually to prevent scorching; in hot climates, provide afternoon shade; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (chlorosis) may indicate poor drainage or pH imbalance; wilting despite moist soil suggests root rot.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Monitor for leaf scorch; rotate plant for even exposure; adjust shade as needed.

Watering

every 7–10 days during growing season, less in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid waterlogging; prioritize soil moisture over rigid schedules.

Soil

well-drained, sandy loam

pH: Acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).

Mulch to retain moisture; avoid compacting soil around roots; test pH periodically.

Temperature

Hardy in USDA zones 3–6; tolerates cold winters (down to -30°F); prefers cool summers (60–75°F ideal).

Protect from late frosts; avoid placing near heat sources in winter; ensure good air flow in summer.

Fertilizing

every 2–3 months during spring and summer

Test soil before fertilizing; apply fertilizer evenly around the drip line; water after application to activate nutrients.

Propagation

Methods

Softwood cuttings in early summer; seeds (stratification required for germination).

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.
  6. Transplant when rooted.

Best Time: Early summer for cuttings; late winter/early spring for seeds after cold stratification.

Environment

High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), indirect light for cuttings; bright light for seedlings.

Medium

Peat and perlite mix (1:1) for cuttings; sterile seed starting mix for seeds.

Hormone

Rooting hormone recommended for cuttings to improve success rate.

Timeline

Cuttings root in 4–8 weeks; seed germination takes 1–3 months after stratification.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, heat mat.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; avoid direct sun during rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading cuts to encourage branching.

Pruning Plan

Shape the tree, remove dead/diseased wood, and improve air circulation to reduce disease risk.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy; remove crossing branches; make clean cuts just above buds.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.

Method

Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger container.

Suggestions

Not typically repotted; if container-grown, repot every 2–3 years to refresh soil and check root health.

Checklist

Check root bound status; trim roots if necessary; use fresh soil; ensure good drainage.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for weather.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone (6–12 inches deep). Allow water to drain freely; water early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose to deliver water directly to the roots, reducing runoff and leaf wetness.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once per week during active growth, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage in heavy soils.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf scorch in excessive heat; dieback in prolonged cold without protection; delayed bud break in late frosts.

Cold Stress

Leaves may wilt or turn brown; branches can die back; reduced flowering or fruiting in subsequent seasons.

Solution: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base; protect young plants with burlap screens in harsh winters; avoid late-season nitrogen fertilization.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf drop, or sunburn; reduced vigor and fruit set; increased susceptibility to pests/diseases.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to reduce ground heat.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check soil pH; use appropriate fertilizer; apply at correct rate; water thoroughly after.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; cease fertilizing in late summer to avoid tender growth.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Prunus pensylvanica may indicate nutrient deficiencies, chlorosis, or stress from pests, diseases, or environmental factors, affecting photosynthesis and overall health.

Wilting in Prunus pensylvanica can result from water stress, root damage, or pathogen infestation, impairing water uptake and leading to reduced growth and potential plant death.

Leaf spots on Prunus pensylvanica are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to defoliation, reduced photosynthesis, and weakened plant health.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Prunus pensylvanica is often caused by fungal pathogens or overwatering, leading to decay, structural weakness, and eventual plant decline.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are also at risk of cyanide poisoning from Prunus pensylvanica, as they lack the necessary enzymes to detoxify cyanogenic glycosides efficiently. Ingestion of seeds, stems, or leaves can result in rapid toxicity and severe physiological distress.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea difficulty breathing panting lethargy weakness tremors seizures
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds stems leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the plant. If ingestion is suspected, seek emergency veterinary care without delay.
Dogs
Toxic

Similar to humans, dogs are susceptible to cyanide poisoning from the seeds, stems, and leaves of Prunus pensylvanica. Cyanogenic glycosides in these parts can lead to severe metabolic disturbances and oxygen deprivation in canines.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea difficulty breathing panting weakness collapse seizures
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds stems leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep dogs away from the plant, particularly its seeds and wilted leaves. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Humans
Toxic

The seeds, stems, and leaves of Prunus pensylvanica 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 most pronounced in wilted leaves and seeds, which have higher concentrations of these compounds.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea difficulty breathing dizziness weakness convulsions loss of consciousness
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds stems leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion of any parts of the plant, especially seeds and wilted leaves. If accidental ingestion occurs, seek immediate medical attention.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Prunus pensylvanica toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Does Pin Cherry attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Q: How fast does Pin Cherry grow?

A: It is considered a fast-growing tree.

Quick Reference
Family: Rosaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during growi
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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