Prunus incana
Prunus incana
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Pl. B370 — Prunus incana
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IOverview
Overview
Prunus incana, commonly known as the woolly cherry, is a deciduous shrub native to regions including Iran, North Caucasus, Transcaucasus, Turkey, and Turkmenistan. This plant thrives in full sun and can tolerate various soil types—ranging from light (sandy) to heavy (clay)—and prefers dry to moist conditions. Hardy in zones 5-9, it grows up to 2 meters tall. Known for its edible fruit and seeds, P. incana is valued both for its ornamental appeal and as a source of sustenance. One distinctive feature sets this plant apart: its woolly, grayish-green leaves, which give the shrub a unique appearance.
Quick answers
What is Prunus incana?
Prunus incana, commonly known as the woolly cherry, is a deciduous shrub native to regions including Iran, North Caucasus, Transcaucasus, Turkey, and Turkmenistan. This plant thrives in full sun and can tolerate various soil types—ranging from light (sandy) to heavy (clay)—and prefers dry to moist conditions.
What is Prunus incana used for?
Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Prunus incana
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Prunus incana appears in herbal sources around after-meal comfort traditions, often as a decoction. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original low confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
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.
Prunus incana support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Prunus incana thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions. It prefers well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This tree is hardy in zones 5-9 and grows to a height of about 2 meters. For propagation, seeds can be used. Ensure the soil is rich but not waterlogged, as it may affect growth.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Mature size
2.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Prunus incana for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Prunus incana in a sunny spot, as it thrives best under full sun conditions.
- 1
What you'll need
Prunus incana saplings or seeds, garden tools like spade and rake.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late autumn when the soil is workable but not too wet.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining; amend with compost if necessary. For containers, use a mix of light (sandy), medium, and heavy soils.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant saplings directly into the garden or sow seeds in pots first before planting outdoors.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases, treating if necessary.
- 6
Ongoing care
Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape. Water during dry spells and mulch around the base to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune annually to encourage healthy growth and fruiting; harvest fruits when they are fully ripe.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil without amending, neglecting regular pruning, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: The fruit of Prunus incana is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. The seeds are also usable but require careful handling as they contain cyanide precursors. Skip the detailed preparation methods since specific culinary uses were not provided.
Other uses:Dye
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
5 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
5 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 5 native
Europe1 region
native (1)Russia
Asia3 regions
native (3)IranTurkeyTurkmenistan
Broader regions
native:Transcaucasus
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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