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 May 24, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 2172.5 to 2394 GDD₃₂. Manchu Cherry has passed full bloom (899 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of May 24, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,394 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,373 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 2,332 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,295 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 2,259 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 2,256 | Full bloom | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 2,173 | Full bloom | — | — |
View full calendar (2 stages)
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| Beginning of flowering BBCH 61 | 679 | — |
| ● Full bloom BBCH 65 NOW | 899 | — |
Source: OSU phenology catalog (OSU: weather.cfaes.osu.edu) About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of May 24, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Jun 9, 2026, then climate normals.