Prunus tomentosa

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Specifics

Name: Prunus tomentosa

Common name: Nanking cherry

Description: Foliage consist of dark-green alternate, simple leaves. They are 2-3 inches long, elliptical and toothed. Flowers are single, pinkish-white and cover the plant briefly in early spring. The plant usually blooms within 2 to 3 years of being planted. Fruit is an edible red berry, ½-inch in diameter and are popular with robins, finches, cedar waxwings and other wild birds. The pit is large. Bark on younger branches is exfoliating, but turns rough and black on older stems.

Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zones 2-7.

Propogation: By seed -- seeds require 2-3 months cold stratification for germination. P. tomentosa also can be propagated by cuttings and by layering in the spring.

In the landscape: Use as a large shrub or small tree. It will grow in shade but blooms better when grown in full sun to partial shade. This plant has good tolerance for alkaline soils, and soil should be well-drained. Cross pollination is needed to produce fruit.

Source: Colorado State University

Penn State