Prunus mahaleb (Mahaleb Cherry, St. Lucie Cherry)

Prunus mahaleb (Mahaleb Cherry, St. Lucie Cherry) is a small deciduous tree or shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to southeastern Europe and western Asia but is also widely cultivated in other parts of the world, including North America. 

The tree can reach a height of up to 8-12 meters (26-39 feet) and has a spread of around 5-8 meters (16-26 feet). Its bark is smooth and grayish-brown, and its leaves are dark green, oval-shaped, and serrated along the edges. The tree produces small, fragrant, white or pink flowers in early spring, which are followed by small, round, blackish-purple fruits that are about 1 cm in diameter. 

Prunus mahaleb is primarily grown for its ornamental value, as its showy flowers and attractive bark make it a popular choice for gardens and landscaping. The tree is also used in the production of perfumes and as a rootstock for other cherry varieties, as it is known for its vigorous growth and tolerance to various soil types and climate conditions.

Overall, Prunus mahaleb is a valuable and versatile tree species, appreciated for its ornamental value and various practical uses.