Nanking Cherry
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The nanking cherry (Prunus tomentosa) is a species of cherry native to central and eastern China, as well as Korea and Japan. It is a deciduous shrub or small tree reaching a height of 5–12 m (16–39 ft), and is related to the bitter almond. The leaves are ovate-lanceolate, 7–12 cm (2.8–4.7 in) long and 3.5–6 cm (1.4–2.4 in) broad, with a serrated margin. The flowers are produced in early spring before the leaves, borne in corymbs of 10–20 together; each flower is 6–8 mm (0.24–0.31 in) diameter, with five white petals. The fruit is a globose drupe 8–12 mm (0.31–0.47 in) diameter, red to dark purple, ripening in mid to late summer. The fruit is edible, with a tart taste when red and ripened, and is often made into jams, pies and wines. It is an important food source for birds and small mammals.

Nanking cherry can be propagated from seed, but it is best to stratify the seeds for 60 days before planting. The best time to plant is in the spring. Nanking cherry can also be propagated from softwood cuttings taken in the summer. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Nanking cherry is drought tolerant once established. The plant does not like wet feet and will not tolerate flooding. Nanking cherry is tolerant of most soil types, including clay. Nanking cherry will grow in poor soil, but the plant will be less vigorous. Nanking cherry is not particular about pH and will grow in acidic, neutral, or alkaline soils. Nanking cherry has no serious pest or disease problems. The plant can be susceptible to aphids, Japanese beetles, and scale. Nanking cherry is deer resistant.

Botanical Data

Specie: Prunus tomentosa

Common Names:

Family: Rosaceae

Sub Family: Amygdaloideae

Tribe: Prunini
Sub tribe: Pruninae
Genus: Prunus
Plant type: tree
Perennial: yes
Endangered:
Link:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prunus_tomentosa
Application/Uses
edible rating:
average
edible uses:
The fruit is eaten raw or cooked, and is used in pies, jams, and wines. It can also be dried and used as a raisin.
medicinal rating:
low
medicinal uses:
health concerns:
Some people may be allergic to the plant.
other uses:
The plant is used as an ornamental plant, and the wood is used for carving.

Edible parts:


leaves | fruit | seed

#Tags:


hedge | attracts wildlife | bee friendly | visual appeal | easy propagating |
Location Based Data
geo location:
Krcedin
geo region:
Europe - Panonian plain
language used:
english

native:

flowering start month:
march
flowering start day:
beggining
flowering lasts for
30 days

fruiting start month:
jun
fruiting start day:
mid
fruiting time:
30

seed start month:
july
seed start day:
beggining

indoor seed start month:
indoor seed start day:
transplant month:
transplant day:
Growing Data
area needed:
5.0m
spacing around the plant:
3.0m
grow time (non perennials):
None days

growing difficulty:
low
plant is
evergreen

seed optimal temperature:
20°C
seed minimal temperature:
10°C
seed maximal temperature:
30°C

plant optimal temperature:
20°C
plant minimal temperature:
-20°C
seed maximal temperature:
30°C

water:
low
humidity:
root type:
shallow

light:
medium
hardness (1-10):
5
frost tender:
low

first harvest in
2 years
life span is
50 years
succession level
mid

growth rate is
fast
max height is
1.5m
max weight is
2.0m

soil preferance:
ph preferance:
flower type:
hermaphrodite

growth details:
Nanking cherry can be propagated from seed, but it is best to stratify the seeds for 60 days before planting. The best time to plant is in the spring. Nanking cherry can also be propagated from softwood cuttings taken in the summer. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Nanking cherry is drought tolerant once established. The plant does not like wet feet and will not tolerate flooding. Nanking cherry is tolerant of most soil types, including clay. Nanking cherry will grow in poor soil, but the plant will be less vigorous. Nanking cherry is not particular about pH and will grow in acidic, neutral, or alkaline soils. Nanking cherry has no serious pest or disease problems. The plant can be susceptible to aphids, Japanese beetles, and scale. Nanking cherry is deer resistant.
potential disturbances:
Japanese Beetles, Cherry Slug Sawflies, Aphids, Spittlebugs, Scale Insects, Mites, Caterpillars, Earwigs, Borers, Nematodes