Nanking cherry

Profile

Family

Rosaceae

Habit

Shrub

Height

1.8 m

Spread

2.5 m

Growth

fast

Lifespan

25 years

First yield

after 3 years

Hardiness

zone 3–8

Shade tolerance

partial shade

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam

Soil moisture

semi-dry – very moist

pH

5 – 7.5

Synonyms

Filzkirsche, Sandkirsche

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Fruit - can be eaten raw or cooked, being juicy with a slightly sweet to sour taste. Unripe fruits can be pickled. The fruit has a diameter of about 12 mm and holds a large seed that can be consumed raw or cooked, but should be avoided if too bitter. The buds are cooked and eaten, whether they are flower or leaf buds is uncertain.

Medicinal: Although no specific mention was found for this type, all members of the genus contain substances that break down into hydrogen cyanide (cyanide or prussic acid) in water. In small amounts, this highly toxic compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion, and provides a sense of well-being.

Other uses: A green dye can be extracted from the leaves, while a dark gray to green dye can be obtained from the fruit.

Growing

Thrives in well-draining, moisture-retentive clay soil and grows well on limestone. Prefers some lime in the soil but can become chlorotic if too much lime is present. Grows well in partial shade but fruits better in sunny locations. Requires a sheltered position and thrives in hot summers. Cultivated in Asia for its edible fruits, there are some named varieties. The fruits are not abundant in the country. The flowers are formed on the previous year's growth. Most species in this genus have shallow-rooting roots and produce runners when the roots are damaged. Plants in this genus are particularly susceptible to honey fungus.

Propagation

Seeds - require 2-3 months of cold stratification and are best sown immediately after ripening in a cold frame. Sow stored seeds in the cold frame as early as possible in the year. Protect the seeds from mice, etc. Germination can be quite slow and sometimes take up to 18 months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough. Raise them in a greenhouse or cold frame in the first winter and plant them out late in the following year in late spring or early summer. Take cuttings of semi-ripe shoots with a heel in July/August in a cold frame. Take softwood cuttings from vigorously growing plants in spring to early summer in a cold frame. Perform layering in spring.

Notable

Features: easy to care for; produces some root shoots; 'Orient' variety is self-fertile; can also be pollinated by P. pumila & P. virginiana, which are also interesting small cherry shrubs; Fruit 3.5g → Full yield = 2000 fruits; popular with birds, requiring better protection than the large cherry tree.

Origin & habitat

East Asia - Northern and Western China to the Himalayas.

Swamps, low forests, dry soils The frog is particularly common in these habitats.

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