The Chinese Cherry Tree (Prunus pseudocerasus) is a deciduous species native to China. It offers both ornamental beauty and edible fruit. Its early blooming flowers provide a striking visual display in spring, appearing before the foliage. This tree has been cultivated for its fruit in China for thousands of years.
Identifying the Chinese Cherry Tree
Prunus pseudocerasus can be identified by its physical characteristics. It grows as a small bushy tree, up to 8 meters (26 feet) tall, or as a shrub, reaching about 3.5 meters (11.5 feet). In early spring, usually in March, it produces shell-pink flowers, about 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) wide, from reddish buds. These flowers appear in clusters of three to seven.
The leaves are broadly obovate, wider towards the tip, and measure 7 to 16 centimeters (3 to 6 inches) long. They have a pointed tip and flat, serrated edges. The bark is generally smooth. The tree’s growth habit is often bushy.
Cultivation and Planting Guide
Cultivating the Chinese Cherry Tree requires understanding its environmental needs. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9, tolerating a range of temperate climates. Full sun exposure is best for fruit production, though partial shade is tolerated. The tree prefers well-drained, moisture-retentive loamy soil. While it tolerates some lime, too much can cause chlorosis, a yellowing of the leaves.
Planting occurs during the dormant season, either in late fall or early spring. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and as deep, ensuring the root collar is level with the soil. Backfill, tamp lightly to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly. Proper spacing is important for air circulation and growth, allowing enough room for the tree to reach its mature spread.
After planting, water consistently, especially during dry periods, to maintain the moist soil conditions the tree prefers. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced formula to support healthy growth. Prune to develop a strong structure and remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Due to their shallow root system, suckers may appear if roots are damaged; remove these to direct energy to the main plant.
Understanding the Fruit
The Chinese Cherry Tree produces small, round, red cherries, about 1.5 centimeters (0.6 inches) in diameter. These cherries are known for their tart flavor. While edible, their tartness makes them less suitable for fresh eating than sweeter varieties.
The tree typically begins to bear fruit a few years after planting, with seeds ripening from June to August. This harvest period allows for collection when the cherries have reached their full color. Due to their tartness, Chinese cherries are well-suited for culinary uses like jams, jellies, and pies. The fruit pulp is safe, but the leaves and seeds of Prunus species contain compounds that release hydrogen cyanide. Therefore, very bitter seeds should not be consumed.
Common Pests and Diseases
Chinese Cherry Trees can encounter pests and diseases. Bacterial canker, caused by Pseudomonas syringae, is a common issue. It appears as sunken lesions on branches, often with gummy sap, leading to branch dieback and dead buds. Symptoms can include discolored, necrotic tissue under the bark. Management involves cultural controls, such as pruning out infected wood during dry periods and ensuring proper tree vigor.
X-Disease, a phytoplasma infection, is another concern for Prunus species. It causes small, misshapen, flavorless fruit. Affected leaves may appear rosetted and bronze prematurely, and branches can die back. Prevention involves using certified disease-free nursery stock and managing leafhopper populations, which are known vectors for the phytoplasma. Prunus pseudocerasus is resistant to fungal cherry leaf spot but susceptible to honey fungus, a soil-borne pathogen causing root rot and tree decline. Addressing honey fungus involves improving soil drainage and, in severe cases, removing infected trees and soil.