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Prunus cerasifera - Ehrh.

Cherry Plum

Author	Ehrh.	Botanical references	11, 200
Family	Rosaceae	Genus	Prunus
Synonyms	Prunus domestica myrobalan - L.
Known Hazards	Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where most, if not all members of the genus produce hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. This toxin is found mainly in the leaves and seed and is readily detected by its bitter taste. It is usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm but any very bitter seed or fruit should not be eaten. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.
Range	W. Asia? Original habitat is obscure. Often planted in hedgerows in Britain but rarely naturalized.
Habitat	Not known in a truly wild situation.
Edibility Rating	4 (1-5)	Medicinal Rating	1 (1-5)

Physical Characteristics

A decidious Tree growing to 9m by 9m at a medium rate.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Habitats

Woodland Garden; Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;

Cultivars: (as above except)
'Alfred'
'Cocheco'
'Yellow'

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit; Seed.

Fruit - raw or cooked in pies, tarts, jams etc[2, 5, 12, 34, 183]. The size of a small plum with a thin skin and a nice sweet flavour[183]. The flesh is somewhat mealy but is also juicy[K]. The fruit can hang on the tree until October[K]. The fruit is about 30mm in diameter and contains one large seed[200]. Seed - raw or cooked. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

Bach.

The plant is used in Bach flower remedies - the keywords for prescribing it are 'Desperation', 'Fear of losing control of the mind' and 'Dread of doing some frightful thing'[209]. It is also one of the five ingredients in the 'Rescue remedy'[209]. Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, all members of the genus contain amygdalin and prunasin, substances which break down in water to form hydrocyanic acid (cyanide or prussic acid). In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being[238].

Other Uses

Dye; Hedge; Rootstock; Shelterbelt.

A green dye can be obtained from the leaves[168]. A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit[168]. Makes quite a good windbreak hedge though it cannot stand too much exposure[1, 11, 29]. Often used as a rootstock for the cultivated plums, giving them a semi-dwarfing habit[61].

Cultivation details

Requires a well-drained moisture retentive soil[1, 11]. Succeeds in light shade but fruits better in a sunny position[11, 200]. Thrives in a loamy soil, doing well on limestone[11]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers some chalk in the soil but apt to become chlorotic if too much is present[1]. A very ornamental plant[1], it is sometimes cultivated for its edible fruit, unfortunately this is not often borne in large quantities in Britain[3, 17], but large crops are produced every 4 years or so[K]. There are some named varieties[183]. Included as a part of P. divaricata by some botanists[11] though others include P. divaricata as a sub-species under this species[200]. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged[238]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[200].

Propagation

Seed - requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[200]. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as early in the year as possible[200]. Protect the seed from mice etc. The seed can be rather slow, sometimes taking 18 months to germinate[113]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in a greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July/August in a frame. Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants in spring to early summer in a frame. Layering in spring. Division of suckers in the dormant season. They can be planted out direct into their permanent positions.

Cultivars

'Alfred'

A purple-leaved form, the red fruits are small, to 30mm in diameter, the quality is good but they are very high in acidity[183]. They make a delicious jelly[183]. The tree produces well and is adapted over a wide area[183].

'Belciana'

A medium size round fruit, the skin is amber yellow and papery, the flesh melting and sweet[183]. The stone is slightly clinging[183]. The fruit ripens early[183].

'Cocheco'

A purple-leaved form, the red-blushed fruits are small to medium in size with a yellow flesh[183]. The quality is high for a red-leaf plum, and is good fresh or for preserves[183]. A very disease-resistant and hardy tree, it is self-sterile and so requires a pollinator - any of the Japanese plums are said to be satisfactory[183].

'De Caradeuc'

A medium size fruit, the skin is deep purplish red and thin, the flesh yellow, soft and juicy, the quality only fair. The stone is clinging and the fruit ripens early[183]. A rather large erect tree[183].

'Myrobalan'

Used as a rootstock, it is compatible with most European and Japanese plum cultivars though does not do well with the cultivars 'Stanley' or 'Green Gage'[183]. It produces large, very productive trees with good anchorage, though the fruit is slightly later in ripening[183]. Considered to be the best world-wide stock, but it is highly variable from seed[183]. Widely adapted to different soil types and moisture conditions, though it will not tolerate very heavy soils[183].

'Red'

The very small roundish fruit is about 25mm in diameter[183]. The skin is red, the flesh firm, red and well-flavoured. It ripens at the end of August[183]. Suitable for cooking or dessert[183]. A moderately vigorous round-headed tree with slender upright branches, it flowers very early but is a poor bearer[183].

'Yellow'

The very small round fruit has a yellow skin with a firm yellow flesh. The flavour is distinctive, the quality good and it is used for cooking or dessert[183]. Ripens at the end of August[183]. A moderately vigorous round headed tree, it is productive, flowering later and bearing more regular crops[183].

Links

This plant is also mentioned in the following PFAF articles: Edible Shrubs.

References

[K] Ken Fern
Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.

[1] F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951
Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaces in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).

[2] Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972 ISBN 0-486-20459-6
Lots of entries, quite a lot of information in most entries and references.

[3] Simmons. A. E. Growing Unusual Fruit. David and Charles 1972 ISBN 0-7153-5531-7
A very readable book with information on about 100 species that can be grown in Britain (some in greenhouses) and details on how to grow and use them.

[5] Mabey. R. Food for Free. Collins 1974 ISBN 0-00-219060-5
Edible wild plants found in Britain. Fairly comprehensive, very few pictures and rather optimistic on the desirability of some of the plants.

[11] Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981
A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures.

[12] Loewenfeld. C. and Back. P. Britain's Wild Larder. David and Charles 0 ISBN 0-7153-7971-2
A handy pocket guide.

[17] Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962
A very comprehensive flora, the standard reference book but it has no pictures.

[29] Shepherd. F.W. Hedges and Screens. Royal Horticultural Society. 1974 ISBN 0900629649
A small but informative booklet giving details of all the hedging plants being grown in the R.H.S. gardens at Wisley in Surrey.

[34] Harrison. S. Wallis. M. Masefield. G. The Oxford Book of Food Plants. Oxford University Press 1975
Good drawings of some of the more common food plants from around the world. Not much information though.

[61] Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974 ISBN 0094579202
Forget the sexist title, this is one of the best books on the subject. Lists a very extensive range of useful plants from around the world with very brief details of the uses. Not for the casual reader.

[113] Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987 ISBN 0942375009
A very detailed book on propagating trees. Not for the casual reader.

[168] Grae. I. Nature's Colors - Dyes from Plants. MacMillan Publishing Co. New York. 1974 ISBN 0-02-544950-8
A very good and readable book on dyeing.

[183] Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9
Excellent. Contains a very wide range of conventional and unconventional food plants (including tropical) and where they can be obtained (mainly N. American nurseries but also research institutes and a lot of other nurseries from around the world.

[200] Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.

[209] Chancellor. P. M. Handbook of the Bach Flower Remedies C. W. Daniel Co. Ltd. 1985 ISBN 85207 002 0
Details the 38 remedies plus how and where to prescribe them.

[238] Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995 ISBN 0-7513-020-31
A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant.

Readers Comments

Plants for a Future does not verify the accuracy of reader comments, use at your own risk. In particular Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. You should always consult a professional before using plants medicinally.

Prunus cerasifera

Hristo Hristov Tue Jul 8 18:34:59 2003

Link: Prunus cerasifera Description, seeds (for swap) and some images of the Bulgarian cultivars of Prunus cerasifera.

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