Manchu Cherry
Prunus tomentosa
Rosaceae · [VERIFY] · introduced
Last updated
Prunus tomentosa (Rosaceae) is a deciduous shrub native to China, Japan, and Korea. It grows 6 to 8 feet tall with a dense, twiggy habit. Fragrant white to pink flowers appear in early spring on bare branches, followed by small, tart, edible cherries that ripen to bright red. The downy (tomentose) undersides of the leaves give the species its name.
Nanking cherry grows in full sun on well-drained soil and is one of the hardiest fruiting cherries, surviving to Zone 2. It tolerates drought, poor soils, and cold. The fruit makes good preserves and attracts birds. Brown rot can be a problem in humid conditions. Hardy in Zones 2a to 8b.
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
As of April 19, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1342.9 to 1500.8 GDD₃₂. Manchu Cherry has passed full bloom (899 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 19, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,501 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 1,465 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,441 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,415 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,390 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,381 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,343 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| Beginning of flowering BBCH 61 | 679 | — |
| ● Full bloom BBCH 65 NOW | 899 | — |
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? Source GDD₅₀ thresholds from Herms 2004 (OSU, Secrest Arboretum, Ohio) and UMD IPMnet (Gill & Klick, mid-Atlantic), converted to GDD₃₂ via Kent bloom-date mapping. Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 19, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 5, 2026, then climate normals.