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Prunus tomentosa - Thunb.

Common Name Nanking Cherry
Family Rosaceae
USDA hardiness 3-9
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.
Habitats Slopes and in ravines, 1700 - 2400 metres in the Himalayas[145]. Forest on mountain slopes, forest margins, thickets and meadows at elevations of 100 - 3700 metres[266].
Range E. Asia - N. and W. China to the Himalayas.
Edibility Rating    (3 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Prunus tomentosa Nanking Cherry


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Prunus tomentosa Nanking Cherry
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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Prunus tomentosa is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 2 m (6ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower from March to April, and the seeds ripen in July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit  Leaves  Seed
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw or cooked[2, 105]. Juicy, sub-acid to sweet[22, 46, 61, 183]. The unripe fruits can be pickled[177, 183]. The fruit is about 12mm 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. The buds are cooked and eaten[183]. (Is this the flower or leaf buds?)

References   More on Edible Uses

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.


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].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Dye

A green dye can be obtained from the leaves[168]. A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit[168]. An excellent windbreak hedgerow. Plants produce suckers freely. A true bush cherry, easy to protect fruit from predating birds. Partially Self-Pollinating/Self-Fertile – will produce better fruit in terms of yields and quantity when planted with other varieties of Nanking Cherries. Flowers: Beautiful pinkish - white fragrant flowers attract a lot of beneficial insects.

Special Uses

Food Forest

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Thrives in a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil, growing well on limestone[11, 200]. Prefers some lime in the soil but is likely to become chlorotic if too much lime is present[1]. Grows well in partial shade[31], though it fruits better when in a sunny position[11, 200]. Requires a sheltered position[11]. Thrives in hot summers[188]. Cultivated in Asia for its edible fruits, there are some named varieties[58, 183]. The fruits are not freely borne in Britain[11]. The flowers are produced on the previous years growth[182]. 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]. The plant is heat tolerant in zones 7 through 1. (Plant Hardiness Zones show how well plants withstand cold winter temperatures. Plant Heat Zones show when plants would start suffering from the heat. The Plant Heat Zone map is based on the number of "heat days" experienced in a given area where the temperature climbs to over 86 degrees F (30°C). At this temperature, many plants begin to suffer physiological damage. Heat Zones range from 1 (no heat days) to 12 (210 or more heat days). For example Heat Zone. 11-1 indicates that the plant is heat tolerant in zones 11 through 1.) For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is multistemmed with multiple stems from the crown [1-2]. The root pattern is flat with shallow roots forming a plate near the soil surface [1-2]. The root pattern is a tap root similar to a carrot going directly down [1-2].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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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[11, 200]. Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants in spring to early summer in a frame[200]. Layering in spring.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Aengdo, Aengdonamu, Korean cherry, Manchu cherry, Mao Yingtao, Maotao, Maoyingtao, Yeyingtao, Yusura ume,

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Asia, Australia, China, Himalayas, India, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Tibet, USA,

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

Thunb.

Botanical References

11200266

Links / References

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Readers comment

Yuko Horiuchi   Sat Jul 9 16:17:29 2005

My 10 year old Nanking Cherry is not producing flower/fruit this spring.I wonder what happening? Otherwise, foolproof,hardy plant in Ottawa Valley, Ontario which enjoys -28C weather often :-(

   Wed Jun 3 2009

I do like these bushes. Make sure you don't plant in a frost pocket as I did. But the two years the blossoms escaped frost we have enjoyed picking and eating the cherries. They are ripening over time, so we go out and pick enough to munch on through the day, no need for canning at this point.

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Subject : Prunus tomentosa  
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