Prunus cornuta

Prunus cornuta, commonly known as the Chinese apricot or mountain cherry, is a deciduous tree native to regions including Afghanistan, Assam, East Himalaya, Nepal, Pakistan, Tibet, and West Himalaya. This tree thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows up to 15 meters tall and is hardy within USDA zones 4-8. Known for its edible fruit and seeds, P. cornuta also serves as an ornamental tree with distinctive pink or white flowers in spring, followed by small, apricot-like fruits that ripen in late summer. The fruit and seeds are edible but should be handled with care due to the potential toxicity of the seeds when ingested in large quantities. Traditionally, the plant has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for digestive issues, often prepared as a decoction to support gastrointestinal health.