European Dwarf Cherry

(Prunus fruticosa)

European Dwarf Cherry (Prunus fruticosa)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

Prunus fruticosa image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Prunus fruticosa, commonly known as European Dwarf Cherry, is a deciduous shrub native to a variety of habitats including grasslands, steppes, and open woodlands in Europe and Western Asia. It typically grows 1–2 meters (3.3–6.6 ft) high and wide, with a tendency to spread via suckers, forming dense thickets. The bark is dark brown, adorned with conspicuous yellow lenticels. From April to May, it produces showy white hermaphroditic flowers in leafy bracts, with 2-4 blossoms on short peduncles in sessile umbels, attracting bees and other pollinators. The fruit is a light to dark red cherry, globose to pyriform, about 8–25 mm in diameter, ripening in August with a sour-sweet or tart flavor.

The European Dwarf Cherry is valued for its ornamental white flowers, wildlife support, and its ability to stabilize soil. It is commonly used in hedgerows, as an ornamental plant for privacy screens and windbreaks, and for its ecological benefits as a host plant for bees, beneficial insects, and birds. The fruit is utilized in culinary applications such as cooking, jams, and jellies. This shrub is adaptable to a range of soil conditions, though it thrives best in loamy soil. It is also noted for its hardiness, making it a popular choice for grafting onto Prunus avium ’tree’ rootstock to create rounded top trees. For optimal growth, it requires full sun to part shade, medium water, and well-drained soil. However, gardeners should be aware of its potential to spread aggressively through root suckers, which may require management in smaller garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 3-9 feet
  • Width: 3-7 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to grasslands, steppes, and open woodlands in Europe and Western Asia

Other Names

Common Names: European Ground Cherry , Mongolian Cherry , Ground Cherry , Steppe Cherry , Zwerg-Kirsche , Steppenkirsche , Zwergekirsche , Prunier Nain , Wisnia Karlowata , Stäppkörsbär

Scientific Names: Prunus fruticosa , Cerasus humilis , Cerasus pumila , Prunus chamaecerasus , Cereus fruticosa

GBIF Accepted Name: Prunus fruticosa Pall.