Cherry plum
Prunus cerasifera
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Pl. 6522 — Prunus cerasifera
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IOverview
Overview
Cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera) is a deciduous tree native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, Bulgaria, and Greece. Known for its ornamental value and edibility, it thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. This plant, hardy from zones 4-8, reaches heights of up to 9 meters and is found across various landscapes such as Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, and parts of Asia. Its distinctive feature includes its vibrant foliage, often featuring purple or red hues, which makes it a popular choice for gardens and parks. The fruit and seeds are edible but not commonly used in culinary applications.
Quick answers
What is Cherry plum?
Cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera) is a deciduous tree native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, Bulgaria, and Greece. Known for its ornamental value and edibility, it thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
What is Cherry plum used for?
Traditionally used for stress & anxiety, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Cherry plum
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Cherry plum appears in herbal sources around calming and relaxation traditions, often as a tincture. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
- Cherry plum is traditionally used in herbal medicine to support the immune system, often prepared as a decoction or tincture.
The mechanism by which cherry plum supports immunity is not fully characterised but may involve bioactive compounds that modulate inflammatory responses and enhance immune function.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Cherry plum support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Cherry plum thrives in light to medium soil types and prefers a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It requires moist conditions but can tolerate various soil textures from sandy to clay. This tree is hardy in zones 4-8, making it suitable for temperate regions. For optimal growth, plant cherry plum in full sun or partial shade. Regular watering is necessary, especially during dry periods. Propagation can be done through seeds or grafting. The tree reaches a height of about 9 meters and is perennial, providing long-term benefits to your garden.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Tree
Mature size
9.0 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Cherry plum for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple cherry plum tree to gain experience in growing trees.
- 1
What you'll need
A young cherry plum sapling, well-draining soil, and a container or planting site.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant your cherry plum tree in early spring or late autumn when the weather is cooler.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil pH is between 5.5 and 6.5, which can be tested with a home kit. For containers, use a mix of light (sandy), medium, and heavy soils.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant your sapling into a prepared hole that is twice as wide but the same depth as its root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the tree regularly to keep the soil moist, especially during dry spells. Monitor for any signs of pests or diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide regular watering, especially in dry periods, and mulch around the base to retain moisture. Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune your cherry plum tree annually in late winter to encourage healthy growth and fruit production.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in unsuitable soil conditions, neglecting regular pruning, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: The cherry plum's fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. The seeds are also usable but should be handled with care due to their potential toxicity when ingested in large quantities. Typically, the fruit is enjoyed fresh or used in jams and preserves. Skip the preparation details for brevity.
Other uses:DyeHedgerowRootstockWind breaker
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
26 native · 4 introduced
Distribution
26 native · 4 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 26 native· 4 introduced
Europe7 regions
native (6)AlbaniaBulgariaGreeceRomaniaRussiaUkraine
introduced (1)Russia
Asia10 regions
native (10)AfghanistanChinaIranIraqKazakhstanNepalPakistanTurkeyTurkmenistanUzbekistan
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, West Himalaya, East Aegean Is., East Himalaya, Kirgizstan, Lebanon-Syria
introduced:Idaho, British Columbia, New South Wales
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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- Citation
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