Prunus alabamensis

C.Mohr.

Alabama cherry

Rosaceae Edible: Fruit, Seeds Potential hazards — see below 127 iNaturalist observations

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iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

Prunus alabamensis, the Alabama cherry or Alabama black cherry, is an uncommon to rare species of tree in the rose family endemic to parts of the Southeastern United States. It is closely related to and found wholly within the range of Prunus serotina, the black cherry, a more common and widespread species of Prunus also native to the region. Alabama cherry is sometimes considered to be a variety of Prunus serotina (i.e. Prunus serotina var. alabamensis), however most authors treat it as a distinct species.

Description

Deciduous tree reaching 8m tall. Flowers May-June; seeds ripen September-October. Hermaphroditic and insect-pollinated. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage preference. Tolerates mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH. Can grow in semi-shade or full sun. Prefers moist soil.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. It is about 10mm in diameter, has a thin, acid flesh, and contains a single large seed. The seed can also be eaten raw or cooked, but should not be consumed if it tastes too bitter.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are used preserved.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

No specific research has been recorded for this species, but all members of the genus contain amygdalin and prunasin, which break down in water to form hydrocyanic acid (prussic acid). In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion, and gives a sense of well-being.

Known Hazards

The fruit and seed are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked, however caution should be taken when consuming the seed as this plant belongs to a genus where most or all species produce the volatile toxin hydrogen cyanide, mostly in their leaves and seeds. Levels are usually too small to do any harm, but especially bitter fruits or seeds should not be eaten.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

North America, USA,

Cultivation

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. 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. Protect seed from mice. Germination can be slow, sometimes taking 18 months. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle, grow on in a greenhouse or cold frame through their first winter, and plant out in late spring or early summer the following year. Half-ripe cuttings with a heel can be taken in July/August in a frame. Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants can be taken in spring to early summer in a frame. Layering can be done in spring.

Other Uses

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

Notes

There are about 200 Prunus species.

Synonyms

P. serotina alabamensis. (Mohr.)Little. Padus alabamensis. (C.Mohr.)Small.

Also Known As

Alabama chokeberry, Cereza

References (2)

Kermath, B. M., et al, 2014, Food Plants in the Americas: A survey of the domesticated, cultivated and wild plants used for Human food in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. On line draft. p 709
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/