Prunus subhirtella

What to Eat

Edible parts: Flowers, Fruit, Seeds

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked, though it is of little culinary value. It is about 9mm in diameter and contains one large seed. The seed is also edible raw or cooked, but should not be eaten if it tastes too bitter. The flowers are preserved in salt and used as an addition to tea.

Known Hazards

Where to Find It

It is a temperate plant. It does best in light to medium, well-drained soil. It needs a protected sunny position. It is resistant to frost but sensitive to drought. It suits hardiness zone 5-9. In Indonesia it grows between 800-2,000 m above sea level. Arboretum Tasmania. In Sichuan.

Asia, Australia, China, Indonesia, Japan*, SE Asia, Tasmania,

How to Identify

A tree that loses its leaves. It grows 8 m tall and spreads 3 m wide. The stem is erect and branching. The crown is dense. The leaves are sword shaped and taper to the tip. They are 7.5 cm long and have double teeth along the edge. The flowers are pale pink. They are open and have 5 notched petals. The fruit are small, dark skinned cherries.

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 when growing in a sunny position. Plants are hardy to about -25°c. There are many named varieties selected for their ornamental value. 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 and protected from mice. Germination can be slow, sometimes taking 18 months. Prick out seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle, overwinter in a greenhouse or cold frame, then 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

Like all members of the genus, this species contains amygdalin and prunasin, which break down in water to release hydrocyanic acid (prussic acid). In small amounts, this compound stimulates respiration, aids digestion, and produces a sense of well-being.

Other Uses

A green dye can be obtained from the leaves, and a dark grey to green dye from the fruit.

A deciduous tree growing to 8 m tall with equal spread, developing at a fast rate. Flowers prolifically from November through April. Hermaphroditic and insect-pollinated. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils preferring well-drained conditions. Grows in mildly acid, neutral, or basic soils. Can grow in semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist soil.

Production

It can be short lived.

Notes

There are about 200 Prunus species.

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