Cherry-plum

Prunus cerasifera

Rose family (Rosaceae)

Origin: Balkan Peninsula

Description: Tree up to 8m high with a rounded crown of numerous branches. Bark without horizontal bands of pores. Young twigs green, smooth and glossy. Leaves alternate, toothed, glossy green on the upper surface, downy on the viens beneath, margins with small, rounded teeth. Flowers usually borne singly, occasionally in clusters of 2 to 3, appearing before the leaves. Style 1. Petals 8-10mm long, white or pink. Ripe fruits pendulous, more than 2cm long, ovoid, yellow, red or purple and sometimes with a thin grey or white, waxy bloom on the skin. Seed 1.

Comments: One of the first Prunus species to flower in spring and often mistaken for a cherry. The normal, green-foliaged form has white flowers and yellow or red fruits. A purple-foliaged form (var. Pissardii) with pink flowers and purple fruits is also commonly planted.

Similar trees:

• Japanese cherry
• Spring cherry
• Wild cherry