Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera)
The Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera), also called Myrobalan (plum) and Purple leaf plum, is a species of plum native to central and eastern Europe.
Useful info about Cherry Plum trees
| Latin Name | Prunus cerasifera |
| Type | Deciduous (loses its leaves in winter) |
| Height | Can grow up to 8 metres (25 feet) |
| Spread | The branches can spread out to 3.5 (12 feet) |
| Soil Types Preferred | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Locations Suitable | Gardens, Hedgerows, Patios |
| Flowers | White flowers in Spring |
| Fruit | Red / yellow fruit in late summer |
Similar Species
Description
Cherry Plum is a large shrub or small tree reaching 6-8 m tall, with deciduous leaves 4-6 cm long. It is one of the first European trees to flower in spring, often starting in mid February; the flowers are white, 1.5-2 cm across, with five petals. The fruit is a drupe 2-3 cm in diameter and yellow or red colour; it is edible, and reaches maturity from mid-August to mid-September.
The fruit can be red or yellow depending on cultivation. It may be eaten fresh in some forms, being sweet with a good flavour, while others are sour, but excellent for jam making.
Cherry Plum is a very popular ornamental tree in gardens, grown for its very early flowering. Numerous cultivars have been developed, many of them selected for purple foliage and pink flowers, such as Prunus cerasifera 'Pissardii' and 'Nigra'. These purple-foliage forms also have dark purple fruit, which make an attractive, intensely coloured jam. Others, such as 'Lindsayae', have pale pink flowers and green foliage.
Uses
A green dye can be extracted from the leaves and a grey / green dye from the fruit.
DISCLAIMER
Any uses for trees or tree extracts, whether edible or medicinal, have not been tried or tested by EFORESTS.
Please take caution and seek proper advice before attempting any recipes or medicinal extracts from any of the trees listed on our site.
Culture and Symbolism
It is believed that the cherry plum tree represents diversity, beauty, good health, patience.
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