Nanking Cherry

(Prunus tomentosa)

Nanking Cherry (Prunus tomentosa)

Kristof Zyskowski & Yulia Bereshpolova

CC BY 2.0

Image By: Kristof Zyskowski & Yulia Bereshpolova

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Kristof Zyskowski & Yulia Bereshpolova | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0 | Uploader: Ser Amantio di Nicolao | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Rosaceae-_Prunus_tomentosa_(nanking_cherry)_2.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description ={{en|1=Location taken: Brookside Gardens, Wheaton Maryland. Names: Rhaphiolepis indica 'Moness' (L.) Lindl., Enchantress Indian Hawthor Classification: Plantae > Tracheophyta > Spe

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Prunus tomentosa, commonly known as Nanking Cherry, is a deciduous shrub native to a range of habitats including forest margins, open slopes, and valleys in China, and Korea. It typically grows to a height of 8 feet and a width of 6-10 feet, with a dense, rounded form. The flowers, which are showy and fragrant, emerge in early spring before the leaves, and range in color from white to light pink, set against a scarlet calyx. The fruit that follows is small, round, and edible, with a sweet-tart flavor, ripening to bright red in summer. Nanking Cherry is more closely related to plums than to true cherries, despite its common name.

Nanking Cherry is valued for its early spring blossoms, edible fruit, and its adaptability to a range of soil conditions. It is often used in ornamental hedges, wildlife gardens, and for erosion control due to its extensive root system. It thrives in full sun to part shade and is tolerant of drought conditions once established. It is also extremely cold-hardy, making it suitable for cultivation in USDA hardiness zone 2. While it is adaptable to various soil types, it prefers well-drained soils. In terms of maintenance, it is relatively low-care, but can be susceptible to pests like aphids and diseases such as black knot. Pruning is recommended to maintain its shape and promote air circulation.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Shrub
Height: 6-10 feet
Width: 6-10 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Pink, White
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

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

Natural Habitat

native to a range of habitats including forest margins, open slopes, and valleys in China, and Korea

Other Names

Common Names: Korean Cherry , Manchu Cherry , Downy Cherry , Shanghai Cherry , Ando Cherry , Mountain Cherry , Chinese Dwarf Cherry , Chinese Bush Cherry , Nanking Bush Cherry , Luddkörsbär

Scientific Names: Prunus tomentosa , Microcerasus tomentosa , Cerasus tomentosa , Prunus tomentosa var. endotricha , Prunus cinerascens , Prunus tomentosa var. kashkarovii , Prunus tomentosa var. trichocarpa , Prunus tomentosa var. insularis , Prunus trichocarpa , Amygdalus tomentosa

GBIF Accepted Name: Prunus tomentosa Thunb.