Prunus serrula

What to Eat

Edible parts: Fruit, Seeds

The fruit is edible and approximately 12mm in diameter, containing one large seed. The seed can be eaten raw or cooked, but should not be consumed if it tastes excessively bitter.

Known Hazards

Where to Find It

It is a temperate plant. It is native to W. China. It grows in woods in the mountains. It grows between 1,200-4,000 m above sea level. In Sichuan and Yunnan. Arboretum Tasmania.

Asia, Australia, China, Myanmar, SE Asia, Tasmania, Tibet,

How to Identify

A deciduous tree. It grows 15 m tall. It is a broad spreading shape. The bark is glossy red-brown and smooth. It has bands of pale lenticels. The bark peels across in strips. The leaves are sword shaped and 10 cm long by 3 cm wide. They taper to a slender point. There are fine teeth along the edges. The leaves are matt dark green. The flowers are white and 2 cm across. They hang down. They are borne singly or in clusters or up to 3. The fruit is an egg shaped cherry. It is about 1 cm long and yellow but becomes red on as it ripens.

How to Grow

Thrives in a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil. Prefers some lime in the soil but is likely to become chlorotic if too much lime is present. Succeeds in sun or partial shade though it fruits better in a sunny position. The plant is sometimes cultivated for its use as a rootstock, there are some named varieties. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.

Propagation: Seed requires 2–3 months of cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Stored seed should be sown in a cold frame as early in the year as possible, with protection from mice. Germination can be slow, sometimes taking up to 18 months. Prick out seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle, overwinter in a greenhouse or cold frame, and plant out in late spring or early summer the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel can be taken in July/August in a frame. Softwood cuttings from vigorous plants can be taken in spring to early summer in a frame. Layering can be done in spring.

Medicinal Uses

No specific research has been recorded for this species, but all Prunus members contain amygdalin and prunasin, which break down in water to release hydrocyanic acid (prussic acid or cyanide). In small amounts, this highly toxic compound can stimulate respiration, aid digestion, and produce a sense of well-being.

Other Uses

The plant is used as a rootstock. A green dye can be extracted from the leaves, and the fruit yields a dark grey to green dye.

Prunus serrula, called birch bark cherry, birchbark cherry, paperbark cherry, or Tibetan cherry, is a species of cherry native to China, and is used as an ornamental in many parts of the world for its striking coppery-red bark.

Notes

There are about 200 Prunus species.

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