Nanking cherry
Prunus tomentosafam. Rosaceae
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Pl. 947E — Prunus tomentosa
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IOverview
Overview
Nanking cherry (Prunus tomentosa) is a deciduous tree or shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family and native to regions in China such as North-Central, South-Central, Manchuria, Qinghai, Sakhalin, and Tibet. Known for its light requirement of full sun to partial shade and moisture preference, this plant thrives in various soil types including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH range of 5.7 to 7.2. It is hardy in zones 3-9 and reaches a height of about 1.5 meters. Both edible and medicinal uses are documented for Nanking cherry; its fruit, leaves, and seeds can be utilized. One distinctive feature sets it apart: the plant's dense, woolly undersides on young branches and leaves, contributing to its scientific name "tomentosa," which means covered with soft hair.
Quick answers
What is Nanking cherry?
Nanking cherry (Prunus tomentosa) is a deciduous tree or shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family and native to regions in China such as North-Central, South-Central, Manchuria, Qinghai, Sakhalin, and Tibet.
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.
Digestive Harmony
digestiontincture
Traditional use for digestive support.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Nanking cherry thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 3-9, making it suitable for temperate regions. Propagate through seeds or cuttings. This perennial grows up to 1.5 meters tall and can be cultivated as a tree or shrub. Ensure the soil pH ranges between 5.7 and 7.2 for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
1.5 m tall
Soil pH
5.7–7.2
For first-time growers
How to grow Nanking cherry for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple Nanking cherry tree to experience growing fruit from scratch.
- 1
What you'll need
Nanking cherry saplings, garden gloves, spade or trowel.
- 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 the soil is well-draining with a pH between 5.7 and 7.2; loosen the topsoil to about 30 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant saplings from containers into your garden, spacing them at least 4 meters apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged; mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Prune in late winter to maintain shape, remove dead or crossing branches. Fertilize once a year with compost.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune annually for better fruit production; harvest fruits when they turn red and are slightly soft.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeavesSeed
Edible uses: The Nanking cherry (Prunus tomentosa) is eaten for its fruit, which can be consumed raw or cooked. The leaves and seeds are also edible but typically used in teas or as a flavoring rather than as the main ingredient. Skip the preparation details to maintain accuracy with the given data.
Other uses:Dye
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
6 native · 23 introduced
Distribution
6 native · 23 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 6 native· 23 introduced
Europe2 regions
introduced (2)RussiaUkraine
Asia3 regions
native (1)China
introduced (2)KazakhstanSouth Korea
Broader regions
native:Sakhalin
introduced:Illinois, Iowa, Manitoba, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Primorye, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Tadzhikistan, Utah, West Himalaya
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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