Prunus munsoniana

Fast-growing deciduous tree reaching 8 m tall. Hardy to UK zone 6. Flowers in April with seeds ripening in August. Hermaphroditic and self-fertile, pollinated by insects. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils with good drainage. Tolerates mildly acidic to basic pH. Prefers moist soil and can grow in semi-shade or full sun. Notable for attracting wildlife.

Description

Fast-growing deciduous tree reaching 8 m tall. Hardy to UK zone 6. Flowers in April with seeds ripening in August. Hermaphroditic and self-fertile, pollinated by insects. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils with good drainage. Tolerates mildly acidic to basic pH. Prefers moist soil and can grow in semi-shade or full sun. Notable for attracting wildlife.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. It has thin skin and juicy, aromatic flesh that is often of good dessert quality. It can be eaten fresh, used in pies and preserves, or dried for later use. The exact fruit size is not recorded, but the seed shell measures 15mm x 20mm. The seed is also edible raw or cooked, but should not be eaten if it tastes too bitter.

Traditional Uses

Fruit, Seeds,

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

No specific medicinal use 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 highly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion, and produces a sense of well-being.

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.

Where It Grows

NORTHERN AMERICA: United States, Ohio (southwest), Illinois (south), Kansas (southeast), Missouri, Oklahoma, Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana (north), Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas,

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. Closely related to Prunus rivularis, and possibly no more than a form of that species. A fast-growing but short-lived species, it can reach flowering and fruiting age within 3 years from seed. It is cultivated for its edible fruit in N. America, where there are some named varieties. It has also been hybridized with other species to produce new fruiting cultivars. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged. This species suckers freely in the wild, forming quite large thickets. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus. A clumping plant, forming a colony from shoots away from the crown but with a limited spread. Harvesting typically occurs in late summer to early autumn, with specific timing varying by species. For instance, plums and peaches are usually harvested from July to September (Northern Hemisphere), while almonds are harvested in August to September (Northern Hemisphere). Prunus species usually flower in early spring, often between March and April (Northern Hemisphere), depending on the species and local climate. Growth rates vary among species, but generally, Prunus trees can grow moderately fast and often reach full height in 3 to 5 years. However, depending on the species and growing conditions, they may take several years to bear fruit. Some Prunus species (like many plums and almonds) are self-fertile, while others (like sweet cherries and certain apricots) require cross-pollination with another compatible variety for optimal fruit set.

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 18 months. Prick 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. Half-ripe cuttings with a heel can be taken in July/August in a frame; softwood cuttings from vigorous plants in spring to early summer in a frame. Layering in spring is also an option.

Other Uses

Prunus species can be used in windbreaks and alley cropping systems, and support biodiversity by providing habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. Some varieties contribute to soil health by fixing nitrogen. A green dye can be obtained from the leaves, and a dark grey to green dye from the fruit. The wood is hard and heavy but is of little commercial value due to the tree's small size. The flowers are rich in nectar and pollen, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Fruits and dense foliage provide food and shelter for birds and mammals, and the bark and leaf litter offer overwintering sites for invertebrates.

Production

A small tree. It grows 8 m high and spreads 6 m wide. It can form thickets. It loses its leaves during the year. The trunk is 15 cm across. The young stems are red. The leaves are 6-10 cm long by 2-3 cm wide. They are sword shaped with a long tip. The leaves are shiny green above and paler underneath. There are fine teeth along the edge. The flowers are white and occur in small clusters. The fruit are bright red. They are edible but bitter. They can be sweet.

Also Known As

Goose Plum, Wild Plum, Prunus munsoniana

References (11)

• Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 1095
• Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 203
• Grandtner, M. M., 2008, World Dictionary of Trees. Wood and Forest Science Department. Laval University, Quebec, Qc Canada. (Internet database http://www.wdt.qc.ca)
• Hedr., Plums of New York 88. 1911
• Jackes, D. A., 2007, Edible Forest Gardens

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