Prunus myrobalan aka Prunus cerasifer (Cherry plum, Myrobalan plum, Purple-leaf plum)

Prunus myrobalan aka Prunus cerasifer (Cherry plum, Myrobalan plum, Purple-leaf plum) is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree in the Rosaceae (rose) family. It is native to areas of southeastern Europe and western Asia and has become widely cultivated as both a fruiting tree and ornamental landscape plant.

The tree typically grows 15–30 feet (4.5–9 m) tall, although older specimens can become larger. It develops a rounded or somewhat spreading crown, with relatively smooth gray-brown bark when young that becomes darker and more textured with age. Some cultivated forms have striking dark purple or reddish foliage, making them popular ornamental trees.

One of its most attractive characteristics is its early spring flowering. Before or around the time the leaves emerge, the branches become covered with small white to pale-pink, five-petaled flowers. These flowers are attractive to bees and other early-season pollinators. The foliage is generally oval to elliptic, with serrated margins.

The fruit is a small plum-like drupe, generally about 1–3 cm (½–1¼ inches) across. Depending on the variety, fruit can be yellow, red, purple, or dark reddish-purple when ripe. The flesh is edible and usually sweet-tart, although some trees produce relatively small or acidic fruit. Myrobalan plum is also particularly important as a rootstock for cultivated European and Japanese plums, because seedlings are vigorous and adaptable.

Growing characteristics: Prunus cerasifera is generally hardy in approximately USDA Zones 4–8, tolerates a range of soils, and performs best in full sun with well-drained soil. It establishes relatively quickly and can tolerate urban conditions better than many fruit trees. It can also produce abundant root suckers, particularly when grown on its own roots.

Interesting highlights

• 🌸 Very early spring flowers
• 🍑 Produces small edible cherry-like plums
• 🌳 Fast-growing and vigorous
• 🍃 Some varieties have dramatic purple foliage
• 🐝 Valuable early-season food source for pollinators
• 🌱 Commonly used as plum rootstock
• ❄️ Generally suitable for Zones 5–8
• 🌿 Can be grown as a specimen tree, hedge, or small orchard tree

Note on the name: Prunus myrobalan is commonly used as a name for the Myrobalan/cherry plum, but Prunus cerasifera is the currently accepted species name in most modern botanical treatments.