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USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. 3 vols. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. Vol. 2 |
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| http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/clearwater/LewisClark/ |
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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Prunus pensylvanica is a deciduous Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Cerasus pensylvanica.
Plant Habitats
Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Fruit Seed
Edible Uses: Gum
Fruit - raw or cooked[2, 55, 101, 105, 257]. A thin sour flesh[82, 85]. Usually too sour to be eaten raw, it is used mainly for making pies, jellies etc[159, 183]. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter and contains one large seed[200]. A gum that exudes from the trunk can be used as a chewing gum[183]. Seed - raw or cooked. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes above on toxicity.
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antitussive Astringent Febrifuge Ophthalmic Pectoral Poultice Salve
An infusion of the bark has been used in the treatment of fevers, bronchitis, coughs and colds, infections and blood poisoning[257]. A decoction of the inner bark has been used in the treatment of laryngitis[257]. A poultice of the boiled, shredded inner bark has been applied to a bleeding umbilical cord[257]. An infusion of the inner bark has been used as an eye wash for sore eyes[257]. The astringent root bark has been used as a wash on old sores and ulcers[257]. A decoction of the root has been used as a treatment for stomach pains[257]. The fruit is often used domestically in the preparation of cough mixtures[82]. Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, all members of the genus contain amygdalin and prunasin, substances which break down in water to form hydrocyanic acid (cyanide or prussic acid). In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being[238].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Basketry Dye Gum Pioneer Soil stabilization Wood
A green dye can be obtained from the leaves[168]. A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit[168]. The outer bark is used to ornament baskets. It is watertight and resists decay[101]. The tree has a vigorous root system and is sometimes planted to stabilise soils and contain erosion[226]. It is a good pioneer species for burnt over land. It establishes quickly, providing shelter for other woodland trees and then dying out[229]. Wood - light, soft, close grained[82]. It weighs 31lb per cubic foot[235]. Only used as a fuel[229].
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Thrives in a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil, growing well on limestone[11, 200]. Prefers some lime in the soil but is likely to become chlorotic if too much lime is present[1]. Requires a sunny position[11] and soon dying out if in the shade of other trees[226]. A fast growing but short-lived tree[11, 20]. This species plays a vital role in the regeneration of forests in its native habitats, acting as a nurse tree until it is shaded out by other trees[20, 200]. It often springs up in burnt-over areas from seed spread by birds and mammals[226]. Closely related to P. emarginata, and hybridizing with it where their ranges overlap[229]. A good bee plant[20]. The fruit is very attractive to birds[20]. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged[238]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[200].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant Propagation
Seed - requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[200]. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as early in the year as possible[200]. The stored seed is best given 2 months warm followed by 3 months cold stratification[113]. Protect the seed from mice etc. The seed can be rather slow, sometimes taking 18 months to germinate[113]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in a greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July/August in a frame[11, 200]. A very low percentage[113]. Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants in spring to early summer in a frame[200]. Layering in spring.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Range
NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Northwest Territories (southwest), Québec, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia (east)), United States (Connecticut, Indiana (north), Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Colorado, Montana, Georgia (north), Maryland (west), North Carolina (west), Tennessee, Virginia)
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
| Related Plants
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| Latin Name | Common Name | Habit | Height | Hardiness | Growth | Soil | Shade | Moisture | Edible | Medicinal | Other |
| Prunus africana | Pygeum | Tree | 18.0 |
10-12
| F | LM | N | M | 0 | 5 | 2 |
| Prunus alabamensis | Alabama Cherry | Tree | 8.0 |
-
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Prunus alleghaniensis | Allegheny Plum, Davis' plum | Tree | 3.5 |
4-8
| F | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Prunus americana | American Plum, American Wild Plum, Wild Plum | Tree | 6.0 |
3-8
| M | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Prunus americana lanata | | Tree | 10.0 |
3-7
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Prunus andersonii | Desert Peach | Shrub | 1.8 |
-
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Prunus angustifolia | Chickasaw Plum, Watson's plum, Hally Jolivette Cherry | Tree | 3.0 |
5-9
| M | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Prunus angustifolia watsonii | Sand Plum | Shrub | 3.0 |
5-9
| | LMH | SN | M | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| Prunus apetala | Clove Cherry | Shrub | 7.0 |
-
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Prunus arabica | | Shrub | 0.0 |
-
| | LMH | SN | DM | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Prunus armeniaca | Apricot | Tree | 9.0 |
5-7
| M | LM | SN | M | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Prunus armeniaca mandschurica | Manchurian apricot | Tree | 6.0 |
3-9
| M | LM | SN | M | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Prunus avium | Wild Cherry, Sweet cherry | Tree | 18.0 |
3-7
| F | LMH | SN | M | 4 | 2 | 4 |
| Prunus besseriana | Dwarf Almond | Tree | 0.0 |
-
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Prunus besseyi | Western Sand Cherry | Shrub | 1.2 |
3-6
| M | LMH | SN | M | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| Prunus bifrons | | Shrub | 1.8 |
-
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Prunus bokharensis | Bokhara Plum | Tree | 0.0 |
-
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Prunus brigantina | Briançon Apricot | Tree | 6.0 |
6-9
| | LMH | SN | DM | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| Prunus buergeriana | | Tree | 9.0 |
4-8
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Prunus campanulata | Taiwan Cherry | Tree | 7.0 |
7-9
| M | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Prunus canescens | Greyleaf Cherry | Shrub | 3.0 |
5-9
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Prunus capsica | | Tree | 0.0 |
-
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Prunus caroliniana | American Cherry Laurel, Carolina laurelcherry, Laurel Cherry, | Shrub | 12.0 |
7-10
| F | LMH | SN | DM | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Prunus cerasifera | Cherry Plum, Myrobalan Plum, Newport Cherry Plum, Pissard Plum | Tree | 9.0 |
5-8
| M | LMH | SN | M | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| Prunus cerasifera divaricata | | Tree | 10.0 |
4-8
| | LMH | SN | M | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| Prunus cerasoides | Wild Himalayan Cherry | Tree | 30.0 |
7-10
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Prunus cerasus | Sour Cherry | Tree | 6.0 |
3-7
| | LMH | SN | M | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Prunus cerasus austera | Morello Cherry | Tree | 9.0 |
3-7
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Prunus cerasus caproniana | Kentish Red Cherry | Tree | 9.0 |
3-7
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Prunus cerasus frutescens | Bush Sour Cherry | Tree | 1.0 |
3-7
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 1 | 3 |
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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
L.f.
Botanical References
1143200
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
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Subject : Prunus pensylvanica
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