The Chinese cherry, known scientifically as Prunus pseudocerasus, is a distinct species within the genus Prunus. This genus includes a variety of familiar stone fruits like plums, peaches, and apricots. Prunus pseudocerasus is also commonly referred to as the Chinese sour cherry.
This species is recognized by several synonyms, including Cerasus pseudocerasus, highlighting its classification within the broader cherry family.
What a Chinese Cherry Looks Like
The Chinese cherry tree grows as a small, bushy tree, growing 2 to 8 meters tall, or as a shrub around 3.5 meters. Its leaves are deciduous, dark-green, simple, and arranged alternately on the branches. These leaves are ovate, with serrated edges and a pointed end, measuring between 7 to 16 centimeters long.
In early spring, around March, the tree produces clusters of shell-pink flowers from reddish buds. These flowers are about 2 centimeters wide and appear in clusters, with each cluster containing three to seven flowers. The fruit, which ripens from June to August, is a red drupe, round and about 1.5 centimeters in diameter.
Eating Chinese Cherries
Chinese cherries are edible but are known for their tart flavor, making them less commonly consumed fresh than sweeter varieties. Historically, these fruits have been cultivated in China for thousands of years for their culinary use.
The fruits are often processed into preserves or other cooked dishes, where their tartness can be balanced with sweeteners. While the flesh is edible, the seeds of Prunus species, including Chinese cherries, contain compounds that can produce hydrogen cyanide, a toxin. Bitter seeds should not be consumed, as their taste indicates a higher concentration of this compound.
Where Chinese Cherries Grow
Prunus pseudocerasus is native to China and Japan. It is commonly found on sunny mountain slopes and the sides of ravines, at elevations ranging from 300 to 600 meters, often as a result of cultivation rather than truly wild growth.
The Chinese cherry prefers a sunny location and grows well in fresh to moist, well-drained soil. Ideal soil types include sandy loam, gritty loam, or sandy clay. The plant is resilient, tolerating temperatures down to -23°C and adapting to various temperate climates, which has allowed its cultivation to expand globally. While primarily cultivated for its ornamental beauty due to its early spring blossoms, it is also valued for its edible fruit in China.