Nanking cherry

Description

Latin: ‘Prunus tomentosa’

Height: Up to 10 ft

Spread: Up to 10 feet, plant 3-5 foot spacing for Shelterbelt purposes

Sun exposure: Full sun- partial shade

Hardiness zone: 2+

Root system: Fibrous

Growth rate: Moderate

Lifespan: up to 50 years

Plug material

Nanking cherry is primarily a large, multi-stemmed dense bush or shrub. It can sometimes be pruned into a very small, tree-like shape. This shrub is commonly planted in hedgerows to provide a windbreak, privacy screen, used for its ornamental value, or edible qualities.

The reliably profuse fragrant flowers showcase their beauty with white or pink spring blooms, later to boast its orange leaves in the fall. The bright red fruit is a sweet but slightly tart drupe 5–12 mm in diameter, ripening in mid summer(July) with a large seed. Other names for this plant include; Chinese bush cherry, Manchu cherry, Manchurian cherry or mountain cherry. Though often called a “cherry” and superficially resembling them, Nanking cherry is more closely related to plums than true cherries. It prefers full sun and grows best in well drained, slightly acidic soils. It is drought-resistant, and very hardy. Nanking cherry is not self-fertile and will need a second shrub within 100 feet to ensure cross-pollination. It takes 3-4 years for full fruit production.

The fruit is edible, being an ingredient of juice, jam, and wine, and in pickled vegetables. Nanking cherry fruit flesh is safe, but the pits, stems, leaves, and bark are toxic because they contain cyanide-releasing compounds. Nanking cherries, like sour cherry varieties, contains rich amounts of vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and iron.

Nanking cherries couldn’t be easier to grow! Prefers well-draining sandy or loamy soil; it does not like standing water. After establishment, it becomes quite drought-tolerant. The more sun, the more fruit!

Nanking cherries are resistant to just about all insect and disease problems, except one that causes occasional wilting and dieback of some stems.

Seedling size is approximately 12” tall , 1 year old.