Prunus japonica, commonly known as Japanese bush cherry, is a deciduous shrub native to Korea and Eastern China, often found in open woodlands and along forest edges. It typically grows to a height and width of approximately 5 feet (1.5 meters), presenting a rounded, dense form. The plant is adorned with showy pink flowers in early spring, usually around April, before the leaves fully emerge, which attracts pollinators such as bees. The bark is smooth and reddish-brown, adding to its ornamental value.

Japanese bush cherry is valued for its compact size, making it suitable for small gardens and urban landscapes. It is also used as a border planting or as part of a mixed shrubbery border. The plant is relatively low-maintenance, requiring well-drained, moist loamy soils and full sun to partial shade. It is drought-tolerant once established. The small, red to black cherries are edible and can be used in making jams, jellies, and pies, although they are not as commonly harvested as those of other Prunus species. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to pests like aphids and caterpillars, and diseases such as leaf spot.CC BY-SA 4.0