Cherry

Prunus cerasifera (Rosaceae) is a deciduous tree native to the Caucasus and western Asia. It grows 25 to 30 feet tall with a rounded crown. The species is most commonly planted in its purple-leaved cultivars, which produce pink to white flowers in early spring before the dark foliage emerges. Small red to purple plums follow but are typically sparse.

Cherry plum grows in full sun on well-drained soil. 'Thundercloud' and 'Krauter Vesuvius' (deep purple foliage, pink flowers) are the most widely planted cultivars. The fruit is edible but variable in quality. The species is used as a rootstock for other Prunus species. Disease susceptibility is similar to other stone fruits. Hardy in Zones 4a to 8b.

Purple-leaf cultivars ('Thundercloud', 'Krauter Vesuvius') are among the most commonly planted ornamental street trees in the Puget Sound lowlands. They are short-lived (typically 15-25 years) and prone to bacterial canker, brown rot, and shothole in our wet springs. Leaf curl plum aphid and cherry fruit fly are persistent pest problems here. The species has naturalized in portions of the PNW and is documented as invasive in parts of Washington and Oregon. Very early bloom (late February - March) makes flowers vulnerable to late frost damage. Low chill requirement (300-500 hours) is easily satisfied in our mild winters. Tolerates our clay soils but suffers in poorly drained sites. For new plantings, consider native alternatives like Amelanchier alnifolia or Prunus virginiana that offer similar scale with fewer disease issues.