Rum Cherry - Prunus serotina - €25 per plant 
500 seeds -  €12 inc. delivery 

This fast growing pioneer is native to eastern North America.  It is one of the largest of the cherries, typically growing to 18m  tall with a narrow-columnar to rounded crown. The plant produces a  profuse spring bloom, attractive summer foliage and autumn color.  Flowers are followed by drooping clusters of small red cherries that ripen in late summer to dark purple-black. Fruits can be used to make jams and jellies and very attractive to wildlife. The timber of these trees are valued highly for furniture making. 
Our seeds are certified and tested for germination. We provide sowing instructions on pdf with your order.   
To order these seeds  please contact us [email protected]. 

Context

  • native region: N.America 
  • native habitat: Found in a variety of soils, preferring moist fertile conditions on north or east facing slopes or protected coves. Dry woods
  • family:  Rosaceae 

Predators

  • No significant pest recorded 

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full Sun 
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 - 9
  • Tolerates drought 

Known Hazards

  •  The seeds and leaves of this species contain high quantities of hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. This toxin is readily detected by its bitter taste. Usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm, any very bitter seed or fruit should not be eaten. 

Overview 

  • ​Deciduous tree growing to 18 m  by 8 m at a fast rate.
  • It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen in September. 
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. 
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. 
  • It cannot grow in the shade. 

Characteristics

  • form: Deciduous  Tree, standard 
  • layer : Upper Canopy 
  • height x width (m): 18 x 8
  • years to bearing fruit: 10
  • productive life span: 100 years 

Products 

  • Fruits have a thin skin and a juicy flesh with a pleasant vinous flavour. The fruit can also be used as a flavouring. The taste is best when the plant is grown in a sunny position
  • Wood: Used for cooking and smoking foods, where it imparts a unique flavor. Timber is valuable; perhaps the premier cabinetry timber of the U.S.
  • Trees are sometimes planted ornamentally.

Functions, behaviours

  • P. serotina is a pioneer species. In its native habitat it is seen growing with other sunlight-loving species, such as black walnut, black locust, and hackberry.
  •  Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged
If you would like this plant  please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project