Prunus serrulata

Lindl.

Japanese flowering cherry, Mountain cherry

Rosaceae Edible: Flowers, Fruit, Seeds Potential hazards — see below 35,809 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Prunus serrulata or Japanese cherry is a species of cherry tree that grows wild in Japan, China, Korea and Vietnam. The term also refers to a cultivar produced from Prunus speciosa (Oshima cherry), a cherry tree endemic in Japan. Historically, the Japanese have developed many cultivars by selective breeding of cherry trees, which are produced by the complicated crossing of several wild species, and they are used for ornamental purposes all over the world. Of these, the cultivars produced by complex interspecific hybrids based on the Oshima cherry are also known as the Cerasus Sato-zakura Group.

Description

A small tree. It has wide spreading branches. It grows 3-4.5 m high. The bark is brown and ringed with breathing pores. The leaves are oval. There is an abrupt tip and rounded base. There are sharp teeth along the edge. The flowers are white or pink. They occur in large clusters. The fruit are small and black.

Edible Uses

The fruit is edible and approximately 8–10mm in diameter, containing one large seed. The flowers are pickled in salt and eaten in tea or alongside rice gruel. The seed can be eaten raw or cooked, but should not be consumed if it tastes excessively bitter.

Medicinal Uses

No specific research has been recorded for this species, but all Prunus members contain amygdalin and prunasin, which break down in water to release hydrocyanic acid (prussic acid or cyanide). In small amounts, this highly toxic compound can stimulate respiration, aid digestion, and produce 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.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. In northern China it grows between 400-1,500 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 5-9. Arboretum Tasmania. Melbourne Botanical Gardens.

Where It Grows

Africa, Asia, Australia, Britain, Canada, China, East Africa, Europe, Japan, Korea, North America, Tasmania, USA, Zimbabwe,

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, with protection from mice. Germination can be slow, sometimes taking up to 18 months. Prick out seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle, overwinter in a greenhouse or cold frame, and 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.

Other Uses

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

Notes

There are about 200 Prunus species.

Also Known As

Oriental cherry, Shan Yingtao, Yamazakura

References (8)

Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 1099
Farrar, J.L., 1995, Trees of the Northern United States and Canada. Iowa State University press/Ames p 378
Flora of China @ efloras.org Volume 9
Harris, E & J., 1983, Field Guide to the Trees and Shrubs of Britain. Reader's Digest. p 103
Lord, E.E., & Willis, J.H., 1999, Shrubs and Trees for Australian gardens. Lothian. p 68

Show all 8 references

Plants for a Future, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Trans. Hort. Soc. London 7:238. 1830
Valder, P., 1999, The Garden Plants of China. Florilegium. p 115