Bush Sour Cherry
Prunus cerasus frutescensfam. Rosaceae
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Pl. 2264 — Prunus cerasus frutescens
Prunus cerasus frutescensPrunus cerasus frutescensPrunus cerasus frutescensPrunus cerasus frutescensPrunus cerasus frutescensPrunus cerasus frutescensPrunus cerasus frutescensPrunus cerasus frutescensPrunus cerasus frutescensPrunus cerasus frutescensPrunus cerasus frutescensPrunus cerasus frutescensPrunus cerasus frutescensPrunus cerasus frutescens
IOverview
Overview
The Bush Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus frutescens) is a small, deciduous shrub native to the North Caucasus region. It belongs to the Rosaceae family and is known for its edible fruit and documented medicinal uses. This plant thrives in light to partial sun with moist soil that can be light, medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 3-7 and typically grows to a height of about 1 meter. The Bush Sour Cherry is valued not only for its tart fruit but also for its seeds, which have been used traditionally for various purposes. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to adapt to a range of soil types while still requiring moisture, making it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Bush Sour Cherry?
The Bush Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus frutescens) is a small, deciduous shrub native to the North Caucasus region. It belongs to the Rosaceae family and is known for its edible fruit and documented medicinal uses. This plant thrives in light to partial sun with moist soil that can be light, medium, or heavy (clay).
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.
Bush Sour Cherry support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Bush Sour Cherry thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 3-7, making it suitable for temperate regions. For optimal growth, keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering. This plant grows to a height of about 1 meter and can be propagated through seeds.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-7
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Bush Sour Cherry for the first time
8steps
Start with a bush sour cherry for a simple, rewarding gardening project.
- 1
What you'll need
Bush sour cherry saplings or seeds, garden tools like trowel and rake.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring before new growth starts or in late fall after leaves have dropped.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining; amend with compost if necessary. For containers, use a mix of light, medium, and heavy soils.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant saplings 1 meter apart in the garden. Sow seeds directly where you want them to grow, covering lightly.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun or partial shade. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Prune in late winter to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune annually in late winter to encourage fruiting and remove dead branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: Oil, Gum, Tea
Other uses:AdhesiveDyeGumHedgerowoilLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
1 native · 29 introduced
Distribution
1 native · 29 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 1 native· 29 introduced
Europe11 regions
native (1)Russia
introduced (10)AustriaBelgiumBulgariaFranceGermanyHungaryIrelandItalyRussiaUnited Kingdom
Asia3 regions
introduced (3)AfghanistanGeorgiaIran
Americas1 region
introduced (1)United States
Broader regions
introduced:Baltic States, British Columbia, California, Connecticut, Czechoslovakia, Delaware, District of Columbia, Argentina South, East Himalaya, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Irkutsk
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 (Rosaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Rosaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
XII
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