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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Prunus_munsoniana is a deciduous Tree growing to 8 m (26ft 3in) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in April, 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 can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[1, 46, 82]. Thin skinned with a juicy aromatic flesh that is often of good dessert quality[183]. It can be eaten out of hand, used in pies, preserves etc or be dried for later use[183]. We do not know how large the fruit is but it contains a seed the shell of which is 15mm x 20mm[200]. 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

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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

A green dye can be obtained from the leaves[168]. A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit[168]. Wood - hard, heavy. Of little commercial value because of its small size[229].

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Thrives in a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil[11, 200]. Prefers some lime in the soil but is likely to become chlorotic if too much lime is present[1]. Succeeds in sun or partial shade though it fruits better in a sunny position[11, 200]. Closely related to Prunus rivularis, and possibly no more than a form of that species[274]. A fast-growing but short-lived species, it can reach flowering and fruiting age within 3 years from seed[229]. It is cultivated for its edible fruit in N. America, where there are some named varieties[1, 46, 61]. It has also been hybridized with other species to produce new fruiting cultivars[82]. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged[238]. This species suckers freely in the wild, forming quite large thickets[82]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[200]. For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. A clumping plant, forming a colony from shoots away from the crown but with a limited spread [1-2]. The root pattern is suckering with new plants from underground runners away from the plant [1-2].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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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]. 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]. 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

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

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 itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Prunus munsoniana	Wild Goose Plum	Tree	8.0	5-9	F	LMH	SN	M	3	1	2

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.

Prunus_munsoniana - W.Wight.&Hedrick.