Prunus

( PROO - nus )

At-A-Glance Information

This large genus of trees includes both ornamental and crop forms of Plum, Cherry, Peach, Nectarine, Apricot, and Almond species. These trees are native to North American temperate regions, South America, Asia, and Africa and can be either evergreen or deciduous. Fruits produced are considered drupes, or stone fruits. Take care when planting these trees in the landscape, as the seed in the center of the stone (or pit) is is poisonous in most species (with the notable exception of Almond Trees). Some species have thorns, as well.

Prunus Species and Varietals

The genus Prunus is a member of the plant family Rosaceae, making them related to species in the Cotoneaster, Rubus, and Sorbus genera. There are about 430 species in the Prunus genus. The list of Prunus species below is divided into six subgenera. For more growing zone information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Amygdalus: Almonds, peaches, and Nectarines

This group of fruiting trees is distinguished from the others in the genus by the corrugated endocarp (or shell) surrounding the inner seed, which is eaten in the Almond species. Trees have axillary buds in groups of three, and flowers appear in early springtime. Fruits produced by these plants have a deep groove on one side.
Prunus dulcis (Almond)
Native to Iran and the surrounding area, this species of fruiting trees is the type species of the subgenera. Fruits have an outer hull and a hard inner shell that protects the edible seed. These trees do very well in Mediterranean climates with warm, dry summers and wet, cool winters (Zones 2B, 3B, 8-10, 12-16, and 19-21). Half of the world's almond supply is produced in California. Trees reach between 15 and 40 feet tall, and Branches and bark are greyish, and leaves are lightly serrated and green. Almond trees begin producing in their third year, and can grow between 30 and 50 pounds of 'nuts' annually, peaking at 7-8 years old. Trees live for between 25 and 30 years on average.
'All-in-One'
Semi-dwarf species with medium to large sweet, soft-shelled nuts. Self-fruiting. This is the best variety for home gardens.
'Butte'
Productive tree with semi-hard shelled nuts. Can be pollinated with 'All-In-One', 'Mission', or 'Nonpareil'.
'Garden Prince'
Dwarf tree with showy pink blooms and medium-sized soft-shelled nuts. Self-fruiting.
'Hall' ('Hall's Hardy')
Bears hard-shelled, bitter, small nut of low quality. Pink blooms flower late, making this a good choice for frost-prone regions. Self-fruiting; good paired up with 'Mission'.
'Mission' ('Texas')
Regular, heavy producer of small, semi-hard shelled nuts. This is a late bloomer, and one of the safest varieties for areas with cold winters and late frost. Pair with 'Hall' for fruitful pollination.
'Ne Plus Ultra'
Has large nuts in attractive shells that are soft. Best when paired with 'Nonpareil'.
'Nonpareil'
Great variety with easily removable thin shells around nuts. Blooms mid-season, and has some bud failure where summers get particularly hot. Pollinate with 'All-In-One', 'Mission', or 'Ne Plus Ultra'.
Prunus persica (Peach, Nectarine)
​​This deciduous species was first cultivated in China, and contains two commercially differentiated fruits: peaches and nectarines. The largest difference between the two fruits is found in the skin; peaches have a fuzzy skin while nectarines are smooth-skinned. Trees can reach about 25 feet tall and wide, but are more commonly seen about 10-15 feet tall and wide, especially in backyard cultivation. Most trees need replacing in 8-10 years, though resilient trees can live for over 25 years. For the most part, peaches are categorized according to whether they are 'clingstone' or 'freestone'. Clingstone varieties have fruit flesh that holds on (or clings to) to pits, and are better for canning purposes. Freestone fruits, on the other hand, are easy to eat ripe, and have a pit that dislodges more freely from the fruit flesh. Fruits in the middle of the two categories are referred to as 'semifree'. Nectarines (Prunus persica nucipersica, Prunus persica nectarina) are a variety of Peach with a desirable recessive gene: fuzzless skin. These fruits are categorized as either white or yellow, and have the same pit characteristic categories as peaches. Fruits tend to be smaller and sweeter than peaches.​

​Peacherines
These fruits are marketed in New Zealand and Australia as a cross between a peach and a nectarine (though since these fruits are of the same species, a true cross is not possible). Fruit is intermediate in appearance between a peach and a nectarine, and flesh is usually yellow, though white varieties are also produced.

Flat Peaches (Pan-Tao, Saturn Peach, Donut Peach)
These trees produce orange to pale yellow fruits with a flattened shape. Fruits are less fuzzy than most other peaches, and have a faint taste of almond. Harvest commonly occurs in late spring through the end of summertime.

Prunus triloba (Ornamental Almond, Flowering Almond)
These shrubby trees grow best in zones A1-A3, 1-11 and 14-20. They are native to China, and have a slow growth to about 8-10 feet tall generally with equal width. Can be single-or multi-stemmed. Leaves are dark green above, pale underneath. In early spring, otherwise bare branches are covered in pink blooms. Variety 'Multiplex' (pictured) has double-pink flowers, and a double-white form is also available at times.

cerasus: True cherries

These trees produce a single winter bud per axil, and fruits are smooth round drupes. The subgenus name is derived from the New Latin word that means 'Cherry Tree'. These trees are native to Europe, North Africa, and west Asia.

Prunus apetala (Clove Cherry)
This species forms a shrub or small tree that reaches 18 feet tall at maturity. Flowers appear in May, and are white to pink. Fruit is black and round-ovular. This species is native to Japan.

Prunus avium (Wild Cherry, Sweet Cherry, Gean)
This species is native to Europe and Western Asia, and produces a tree that reaches between 15 and 60 feet tall at maturity. Take care when planting this species in your garden, as all plant parts except fruits are toxic, containing cyanogenic glycosides.

Prunus campanulata (Taiwan Cherry, Formosoan Cherry, Bellflower Cherry)
This species is native to Japan, Taiwan, and China and is widely grown as an ornamental tree. These trees are considered invasive in some areas of the world, especially New Zealand, where its propagation and distribution is strictly controlled.

Prunus canescens (Gray-Leaf Cherry, Hoary Cherry)
This species is native to China, and forms a shrubby tree that maxes out at just under 10 feet tall. Due to its attractive, shiny dark bark and small stature, it is commonly used as a rootstock for sweet cherry species and sometimes grown as an ornamental garden specimen.

Prunus cerasoides (Wild Himalayan Cherry, Pahhiya, Sour Cherry)
This species is native to the Himalayas and forms a large tree that can reach just under 100 feet tall. Bark is glossy and ringed, and the tree flowers twice a year. The first bloom pops January through April, and the second from September to November. Flowers are white-pink. 

Prunus cerasus (Dwarf Cherry, Sour Cherry, Tart Cherry)
This small tree has twiggy branches and reaches between 13 and 33 feet tall. Popularly cultivated varieties include 'Morello' (dark red fruit), 'Amarelle' (lighter red fruit), 'Kentish Red', 'North Star', 'Montmorency', 'Griottes', 'Meteor', and 'Flemish'.

Prunus clarofolia (Prunus litigiosa) (Shiny-Leaf Cherry, Tassel Cherry)
These shrubby trees reach a height of between 8 and 65 feet tall and are native to China and take a columnar form. These plants are commonly grown as ornamentals.

Prunus cyclamina (Cyclamin Cherry, Cyclamen Cherry, Chinese Flowering Cherry)
This tree produces a grand show of pink flowers which lasts for longer than most other species. They are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, and are widely grown as ornamentals. New leaves are bronze-green, turning a true green when mature. Fruits do not have much flesh, but are tasty. 

Prunus emarginata (Bitter Cherry, Oregon Cherry)
​This species is native to western North America, from British Columbia down through Baja California. These trees prefer nutrient-rich, recently disturbed soil in open wooded areas. At maturity, these trees top out at just under 50 feet tall. Flowers are white. Fruits are so bitter they are generally considered inedible.

Prunus x eminens (Prunus eminens, Prunus x javorkae)
This small natural hybrid tree is native to central Europe and reaches between 10 and 16 feet tall when mature. Crown is spherical and flowers are white, followed by crimsoin-red fruits. Fall foliage is vibrant orange. Cultivars are very cold hardy, and include 'Crimson Passion', 'Juliet', 'Romeo', and 'Umbriculifera' (a weeping variety). 

Prunus fruticosa (European Dwarf Cherry, Dwarf Cherry, Mongolian Cherry, Steppe Cherry, Ground Cherry, European Ground Cherry)
This species is native to eastern Europe, and reaches between 3 and 7 feet tall at maturity. Fruit is sour, used for cooking and preserving. In ornamental use, it is used as a hedgerow, privacy screen, or windbreak. Its hardiness makes it a great rootstock choice. 

Prunus x incam (Okame Cherry)
These small trees have silvery bark and produce showy pink blooms. Fall foliage is bronze-orange-red. Although these trees produce copious amounts of pollen, they do not fruit well, and are largely grown as ornamentals. This hybrid was developed by Collingwood Ingram, and there are two popular cultivars, 'Okame' and 'Shosar'. 

Prunus incisa (Fuji Cherry)
This species is endemic to Japan, and is a slow-growing, dainty small tree. It is hardy down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit, and highly regarded as an ornamental. Commonly grown varieties include 'The Bride', 'Kojo-no-mai', 'Oshidori', and 'Yamadei'.

Prunus itosakura (Weeping Cherry, Autumn Cherry, Winter-Flowering Cherry)
​Trees in this species reach about 100 feet maximum, but are more commonly seen at about half that height in gardens. This is a slow-growing species with a firm trunk. Resistant to snow damage and wind damage. Commonly grown varieties include 'Pendula', 'Pendula-Rosea', 'Plena-Rosea, 'Omoigawa', and 'Ujou-Shidare'.

​Prunus mackii (Manchurian Cherry, Amur Chokecherry)
Named for the man who discovered the species, Richard Karlovich Maack, these trees reach between 13 and 32 feet tall and has fissured, grey-brown bark (for which it is grown as an ornamental). Fruit is used to manufactore juices, jellies and jams. Flowers are white and bloom in the middle of spring, followed by summer to autumn dark purple to black fruits.

Prunus mahaleb (Mahaleb Cherry, St. Lucie Cherry)
This species is cultivated for the spicy seeds inside the fruits, which have a fragrant smell and have a taste like a bitter almond. Fruit flesh is inedible. These trees are native to central Europe's dry woodlands and drylands. Flowers are white and strongly fragrant, and these trees are commonly cultivated in gardens as ornamentals. Varieties include 'Albomarginata' (with variegated foliage), 'Bommii' (dwarf with pendulous branches), 'Globosa' (compact variety), 'Pendula' (with drooping branches), and 'Xanthocarpa' (with yellow fruit).

Prunus maximowiczii (Korean Cherry, Miyama Cherry)
This small, fruiting cherry tree native to Asia and Eurasia, and blooms in May. Flowers are white. Fruit is edible, and is ripe around August. These trees grow naturally in clayey soil in mountainous or woodland regions.

Prunus nipponica (Japanese Alpine Cherry)
This shrub is native to Japan and is a hardy species, well-suited to cold climates. Flowers are light pink to white and bloom in early to mid spring. In fall, foliage will turn orange and red. Fruit is eaten and used to make various dyes. These trees reach 16 feet in height at maturity and can grow in a variety of soils including loamy, sandy, and clayey.

Prunus x nudiflora (King Cherry)
Native to Jeju Island in Korea, this rare and endangered hybrid produces white to pink flowers that have magenta-flushed centers.

Prunus pensylvanica (Bird Cherry, Red Cherry, Fire Cherry, Pin Cherry)
Grown as a shrub or small tree, this species is native to mountainous areas in the northern United States and southern Canada. Fruit is edible and is used in jams, jellies, and other preserves. Seeds can remain viable and dormant in soil for up to 50-100 years, and trees can regenerate through sprouting thickets as well. 

Prunus x pugetensis (Puget Sound Cherry)
This species, native to the Pacific Northwest, is a cross between Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium) and Oregon Wild Cherry (Prunus emarginata). These trees produce large flowers but rarely bear any fruits. 

Prunus serrulata (Prunus jamasakura) (Birch Bark Cherry, Birchbark Cherry, Paperbark Cherry, Tibetan Cherry, Japanese Cherry, East Asian Cherry)
This widely grown ornamental species of Cherry is native to China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. These small deciduous trees have short trunks and can reach between 26 and 39 feet when mature. Bark is chestnut brown with prominent lenticels. Fall color is red, yellow, and crimson. Flowers appear with leafout, and are white to pink. Fruits follow flowers, but because these trees are bred for ornamental purposes, they are very small and underdeveloped.

Prunus x schmittii (Schmitt's Cherry)
​This species produces trees that are wonderful street trees given their narrow, conical growth habit. These are fast-growing Cherry trees, reaching between 22 and 50 feet tall at maturity. Flowers are pale pink to white, and bloom in April. Heavy pollen producer. Blooms are followed by small, cherry-like red fruits and fall foliage is orange to yellow. Multi- and single-trunked varieties are available.

Prunus speciosa (Oshima Cherry)
This species is native to Izu Peninsula and the Izu Oshima Island in near Tokyo, Japan. These trees reach between 13-39 feet tall at maturity and produce white flowers. Fruits that follow are small, black, and cherry-like. 

Prunus x subhirtella (Winter-Flowering Cherry, Spring Cherry, Rosebud Cherry)
This hybrid is a cross between Prunus itosakura and Prunus incisa. They are small, deciduous trees that are unknown in the wild. Cultivar 'Pendula' has weeping branches and lighter pink flowers than the true hybrid. 

Prunus x yedoensis (Cerasus x yedoensis) (Yoshino Cherry, Somei-Yoshino)
This hybrid species' cultivar, Yoshino Cherry, is the most widely grown Prunus cultivar in temperate regions of the globe. Fragrant flowers are pink-white, blooming in spring before leaves emerge for the year. Fruits have little flesh and are not great for eating, but do have the potential to stain concrete, brick and clothing. These trees reach between 16 and 40 feet tall when mature.

Laurocerasus: Cherry Laurels

This group of Cherry trees was once known as the genus Laurocerasus, and is now included under Prunus. These trees are evergreen, and native to subtropical and tropical regions of the globe. 

Prunus caroliniana (Carolina Laurelcherry, Carolina Cherry Laurel, Carolina Cherry, Carolina Laurel)
Native to lowland areas in the southeastern United States, this species forms a medium-sized tree that reaches between 20 and 30 feet tall at maturity. Flowers are creamy white and fragrant, blooming in late wintertime through early spring. Fruits are bird favorites, tiny and black.

Prunus ilicifolia (Hollyleaf Cherry, Evergreen Cherry, Islay)
This species is native to Chapparal landscapes in coastal areas of California and Mexico. This evergreen shrub or tree reaches between 8 and 30 feet tall at maturity, and produces edible purple-black cherry fruits. Flowers are small and white, and bloom between March and May. These are commonly grown as ornamentals and are prized for their adaptability, usefulness as hedge plants, and drought-tolerance.

Prunus laurocerasus (Cherry Laurel, Common Laurel, English Laurel)
These shrubs or trees are native to southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia, and reach between 16 and 40 feet tall at maturity. Leaves, when crushed, smell of Almonds. Flowers appear in early springtime and last through summer, are fragrant, and creamy-white. Fruits are small cherries, turning black when ripe in early fall. These are widely cultivated ornamental plants, great for hedging and privacy, and adaptable to poor conditions. There are over 40 cultivars of this popular species, the most popular of which include 'Aureovariegata' (with yellow variegated leaves), 'Magnifolia' (with large leaves), 'Otto Lukyen' (a dwarfed form), 'Schipakaensis', and 'Zabeliana' (prized for its cold tolerance).

Prunus lusitanica (Portuguese Laurel Cherry, Portugal Laurel)
This species of flowering plants is native to the Iberian Peninsula, Morocco, the Macaronesian Archipelagos, and the French Basque Country. These evergreen shrubs or trees reach between 16 and 66 feet tall (depending on the growth habit and conditions). Flowers are white, and fruits are dark purple or black when ripe in late summer to early fall. Considered invasive in some areas of the Pacific Northwest. 

Prunus myrtifolia (Myrtle Leaf Cherry, Myrtle Laurel Cherry)
This species of shrub is native to the southeastern United States and reaches up to 40 feet tall at maturity. Flowers are white and fruits are dark purple to black and egg-shaped. 

Prunus spinulosa
This species of Cherry Laurel is native to China and Japan, and has lustrous green leaves with somewhat wavy margins. Trees can reach up to 65 feet tall and grow naturally near forest-area riverbeds.

Lithocerasus (microcerasus): Bush Cherries and Dwarf cherries

This subgenus includes species that are shrubs and subshrubs.

Prunus glandulosa (Chinese Bush Cherry, Chinese Plum, Dwarf Flowering Almond)
This species is native to China and Japan, and is commonly used as an ornamental small tree. Branches are used in cut flower arrangements. These plants can have white or pink flowers which bloom in springtime, and fruits that follow are dark red. This species commonly reaches about 5 feet tall at maturity, and has a spreading, somewhat pendulous habit. Cultivars include 'Alba' (with single white flowers), 'Alba Plena' (with double white flowers), 'Lawrence' (with single white-pink flowers), and 'Sinensis' (also called 'Rosea Plena', with double pink blooms).

Prunus incana (Willowleaf Cherry, Hoary Cherry)
​This species of Sour Cherry is native to central Asia. It forms a shrubby plant that prefers scrub landscapes and is commonly used as a dwarfing rootstock for Peach (Prunus persica) trees. 

Prunus jacquemontii (Afghan Cherry, Afghan Bush Cherry, Afghan Dwarf Cherry, Flowering Almond)
This species produces pink flowers on a 5 foot tall, 4 foot wide shrub (after 10 years of growth). The species is named for French botanist Victor Jacquemont. Leaves are green and slender, and these shrubs are native to Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Tibet 

Prunus japonica (Japanese Bush Cherry, Oriental Bush Cherry, Korean Bush Cherry)
This shrub species is native to China and Korea, and produces a 5 foot tall and 5 foot wide shrub. Flowers bloom in May, followed by edible but quite sour fruits.

Prunus microcarpa (Small-Fruited Cherry)
This deciduous shrub is native to Western Asia and the Caucasus, and produces white to pale pink flowers beginning in April. Will sucker if surface roots are damaged.

Prunus prostrata (Mountain Cherry, Rock Cherry, Creeping Cherry, Spreading Cherry, Prostrate Cherry)
This hardy alpine species reaches about 5 feet tall at maturity. Bark is reddish-brown and flowers are a light rose color and bloom April through May. Fruits follow blooms and are red, ripe in July. They are not palatable; these plants are used mainly as ornamentals.

Prunus pumila (Sand Cherry)
This species is native to Canada and the northern United States, and is a deciduous shrub that enjoys growing in sandy dunes and along shorelines. These reach between 2 and 6 feet tall at maturity, and produce white flowers followed by dark purple fruits.

Prunus tomentosa (Nanjing Cherry, Korean Cherry, Manchu Cherry, Downy Cherry, Shanghai Cherry, Ando Cherry, Chinese Bush Cherry, Mountain Cherry, Chinese Dwarf Cherry)
This is a deciduous shrub with pink to white flowers and reaches 10 feet tall at maturity. Fruits are scarlet and resemble cherries, but are more similar to plums. They are sweet and slightly tart. This species is drought-resistant and cold-hardy.

Padus: Bird Cherries

This subgenus of Prunus includes trees and shrubs that produce racemose flower inflorescences. It was once a genus on its own, inclding many deciduous plants that produce small, sour fruits that are usually only palatable to birds, hence the common name 'Bird Cherries'. 

Prunus alabamensis (Alabama Cherry, Alabama Black Cherry)
This uncommon or rare species is native to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina. It is closely related to Prunus serotina (Black Cherry) and forms a small to medium-sized tree to 20-40 feet tall. Mature bark is rough and dark grey to black. Flowers are white and fruits are small and reddish to dark purple, appearing from June through August.

Prunus grayana (Japanese Bird Cherry, Gray's Bird Cherry)
This species of Bird Cherry is native to Japan and China where it grows in temperate zones. These plants prefer sunshine and moist soil, and reach between 26 and 65 feet tall. Bark is purple-grey and marked with horizontal brown lenticels. Flowers, fruits and seeds are all edible, and are commonly consumed in the plant's native range. The species is named for botanist Asa Gray.

Prunus napaulensis (Nepalese Bird Cherry, Jangali Aru. Arupate, Arupaty, Sohiong, Sajong, Theikanthei)
These trees are native to the eastern foothills of the Himalayas in Mepal, Myanmar, and China. It can grow as either a tree (to 88 feet tall) or a large shrub in certain growing situations. Fruits produced by these plants are edible, and wood is used for making furniture. 

Prunus padus (Bird Cherry, Hackberry, Hagberry, Mayday Tree)
This species is native to Western and Central Europe as well as North Africa, and temperate Eurasia. Fruits produced by these plants are astringent. There are two varieties of this species, including European Bird Cherry (Prunus padus padus) and Asian Bird Cherry (Prunus padus commutata).

Prunus serotina (Black Cherry, Wild Black Cherry, Rum Cherry, Mountain Black Cherry)
These trees are commonly seen in North and South America, and forms a medium-sized fast-growing forest tree. Individuals reach between 50 and 80 feet tall when mature, and green foliage turns colors in the fall before leaves drop. Flowers are small and white, and fruits are reddish-black and relatively small. 

Prunus virginiana (Bitterberry, Chokecherry, Virginia Bird Cherry, Western Chokecherry, Black Chokecherry)
This species forms a suckering shrub that reaches between 3.5 and 19.5 feet tall when mature. Flowers are white and fruits that follow blooms are black to bright red in color and have a very astringent taste. Darker berries will have a marginally sweeter taste. This species is native to Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Prunus: Plums, Apricots, almonds and Bush Cherries (Old World Plums)

This group shares the quality of having solitary flowers.

Prunus americana (American Plum, Wild Plum, Marshall's Large Yellow Sweet Plum)
This species is native to North America and forms a large shrub or small tree to 15 feet tall. These trees have little tolerance for drought, shade, and fire. Flowers bloom in springtime, and fruits are ripe in summertime. This species is grown both as an ornamental garden tree as well as a cultivated fruit tree.

Prunus andersonii (Desert Peach, Desert Almond)
These plants are native to eastern areas of California and western Nevada, where it grows in forests and scrub habitats in deserts and mountains. The species was named by Asa Gray to honor botanist Charles Lewis Anderson. These shrubs can reach 6.5 feet tall and produce pink flowers 

Prunus angustifolia (Chickasaw Plum, Cherokee Plum, Florida Sand Plum, Sandhill Plum, Sand Plum)
This North American species of Plum has narrow leaves and reaches between 12 and 20 feet tall when mature. Bark is scaly and dark, almost black. Flowers are white and bloom from March through May. Fruits are quite sour until they fully ripen in late summertime.

Prunus armeniaca (Apricot)
This is the most commonly cultivated Apricot species, and is native to Central Asia. It is widely grown for its fruits, and has escaped cultivation in many areas of the world. Trees reach between 26 and 39 feet tall when mature, and have a dense, spreading canopy. Flowers are white to pinkish, and fruits look similar to small peaches, with yellow to orange skins that tinge red on the sunny side. Flesh is succulent and has a sweet to tart flavor.

​Prunus cerasifera (Cherry Plum, Myrobalan Plum)
These trees are native to southeastern Europe and western Asia. In their native habitat, these plants form large shrubs or small trees that reach between 25 and 40 feet tall when mature. White to pink flowers bloom in springtime and are followed by edible yellow-red fruits in July to mid-September. These trees are used as rootstock for other species in the genus, and there are many varieties, including 'Atropurpurea' (with purple foliage), 'Nigra' (with black foliage and pink flowers), and 'Thundercloud' (bright red foliage that darkens to purple.)

Prunus davidiana (Amygdalus davidiana, Persica davidiana, Prunus persica davidiana) (David's Peach, Chinese Wild Peach)
This species is native to China, where it grows in thickets and forested areas. It is resistant to pests and diseases and has a great frost tolerance, making it a closely studied species. These plants reach 30 feet tall and just as wide. Leaves are dark green and flowers are white to pale pink, blooming in late winter and early spring. Fruits are yellow, furry and edible.

Prunus domestica (European Plum, Plum, Greengage, Damson, Mirabelle Plum)
This species includes many varieties of the fruit trees known as Plums. Typically, the species forms a large shrub or small tree that is somewhat thorny with white flowers that bloom in early springtime. Fruits are spherical to oval and are usually sweet (some varieties are sour). Most commercially sold prunes are made from the fruits of this species. Many cultivars of this species have been produced, and include 'Blue Rock', 'Blue Tit', 'Czar', 'Imperial Gage', 'Jefferson', 'Mallard', 'Opal', 'Oullin's Gage', 'Pershore', and 'Victoria'.

Prunus eremophila (Mojave Desert Plum)
This rare, critically imperiled species of Plum is native to California, and forms a bulky shrub with tangled, thorny branches. It can reach over 6.5 feet tall when mature, and produces flowers between March and April. Fruits are orange-rust colored to yellow. 

​Prunus fasciculata (Wild Almond, Desert Almond, Desert Peach)
This species forms a spiny, woody shrub that reaches up to 6.5 feet tall when mature. These plants produce wild almonds, but are not commonly cultivated for their fruits. These shrubs are native to western North America desert regions.

Prunus fremontii (Desert Apricot)
This species forms a shrub or small tree, and is native to northern and western Baja California and adjacent areas in southern California. At maturity, these plants reach 16 feet tall. Flowers are pink or white, and fruits are yellow and egg-shaped.

Prunus mandshurica (Manchurian Apricot, Scout Apricot, Northeastern Apricot, Gaesalgu Tree, Liaoning Apricot)
This species reaches about 33 feet tall and has black bark. Flowers are pink and bloom in early springtime. Fruits follow in late summertime, and are yellow with some reddish tinges. In fall, leaves turn golden-orange before falling. Varieties include 'Mandan', 'Moongold', and 'Sungold'.

Prunus maritima (Beach Plum)
This species is native to the East Coast of the United States and is a wild edible plant with few pests and great salt and cold tolerances. The species is commercially cultivated for its fruit, which is sweet (with some sour or bitterness in some individual bushes). Blackish fruits are ripe in August and early September.

Prunus mexicana (Mexican Plum, Inch Plum, Bigtree Plum)
This species forms a single trunked small tree with an open crown that reaches between 15 and 38 feet tall when mature. Leaves are dark green and flowers are pale pink. Bark is dark grey, and banded with horizontal lenticels. Fruits are dark red to purple and ripen late in fall in the plant's native range in the central United States and Northern Mexico.

Prunus mira (Smooth Stone Peach, Smooth-Pit Peach, Tibetan Peach, Behmi, Behimu, Tirul)
This species is native to the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau. It reaches between 26 and 40 feet tall when mature. Flowers are pinkish-white and fruits have white flesh. Stones in the middle of fruits are smooth. These are sometimes cultivated for fruit, which is often pickled. Rootstock is used to graft Almond and Peach trees with dwarfing and resistance qualities.

Prunus mume (Chinese Plum, Japanese Plum, Japanese Apricot, Plum Blossom)
This species is native to southern China in the Yangtze River area. It is commonly cultivated both for its ornamental qualities as well as its fruit. Flowers are strongly fragrant and can be white, pink or red. They bloom starting in the middle of winter, and produce fruits that are ripe in early June and July in East Asia. Skin is yellow, sometimes blushed with red.

Prunus pedunculata (Long-Peduncled Almond)
This species is native to China, Mongolia and Siberia and forms a small bush that reaches between 3 and 6.5 feet tall when mature. These shrubs are well adapted to cold climates, and produce pink flowers.

Prunus salicina (Sumomo, Japanese Plum, Chinese Plum, Willow-Leaf Cherry, Asian Plum, Ameixa, Ameixa-Japonesa)
This deciduous tree is native to China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. These trees reach up to between 30 and 40 feet tall when mature, and has purple-brown to reddish branches and green foliage. Flowers are white and fruits are yellow or red with yellow-pink flesh.

Prunus sibirica (Siberian Apricot)
Native to China, Korea, Mongolia, and eastern Siberia, this species is rarely cultivated for its fruit, and is more commonly used as a garden ornamental. Flowers are white with pink veining, and fruits mature in early to mid-summer and are yellow to orange-red. 

Prunus simonii (Apricot Plum, Simon Plum)
This species forms a small tree that reaches 20 feet tall and produces flowers with very little pollen. Flattened fruits vary in quality from pleasant-tasting to bitter. Fruit is dark red or brick red in color, and is particularly aromatic. This species does not produces a particularly bountiful harvest.

Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn, Sloe)
This species is native to Europe, western Asia, and northwestern Africa. Fruits from these trees are used to make sloe gin. Plants are shrubs or small trees and reach 16 feet tall with blackish bark. Flowers are creamy white and fruits are black to purplish and have a waxy bloom. They ripe in October or November in their native range.

Prunus tenella (Dwarf Russian Almond)
These shrubs are native to steppe environments in Eastern Europe and Western Siberia, as well as arid, open landscapes in the Caucasus and western and central Asia. When mature, shrubs reach about 5 feet tall and are great ornamental plants for cold temperate regions. Variety 'Fire Hill' is a popular cultivar with red blooms. Fruits are small and almond-like. 

Prunus texana (Texas Almond Cherry, Texas Peachbrush, Sand Plum, Peach Bush, Duraznillo, Wild Peach)
This species forms a bushy shrub to 3.5 feet tall and is native to central and western Texas. Flowers are white to pink and fruits are yellow to greenish yellow. Popularly grown cultivars include 'Bolen', 'Gephart', 'Johnson' and 'Stuart'.

Caring for and pruning Prunus Trees

Prunus trees (including cherries, plums, apricots, and almonds, among others) can be either ornamental or fruit-bearing, and have varying care instructions depending on their use. All trees will appreciate a sunny spot in the landscape; these trees will flower more profusely in full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sun exposure each day), though some (such as ornamental cherries) can tolerate partial shade. Check the species descriptions above for more sun exposure information. Soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0. Substrate should be fertile and well-draining. If local soils are poor, clayey, or do not drain well, the planting site will need to be amended with plenty of organic material and/or sand before installing. Space trees between 10 and 25 feet apart for best airflow and tree health. Apply a thick layer of mulch around plantings to increase soil moisture retention, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperatures. Young or newly installed plants should be watered regularly to help them establish a strong root system able to withstand periods of drought. Ensure that soil is not becoming waterlogged. Once established, most Prunus species are relatively drought-tolerant if they are healthy and cared for. Deep water during extended dry spells.

​Apply a generous dressing of organic compost each year in springtime to support growth and flowering for the year. If trees are not producing well, or they seem to be struggling to put on growth each year, they may benefit from a feeding with a balanced (10-10-10), slow release fertilizer in spring. Avoid over-fertilizing trees, especially if they are grown for their flowers and/or fruits, as doing so will lead to a flush of new foliage growth at the expense of flowering and subsequent fruit production. Prune trees in late winter or early springtime while trees are dormant. At this time, remove dead, damaged, diseased, or crossing branches and open up the canopy a bit to increase air flow. Remove any suckers that are produced from the rootstock. 

Propagation

Prunus spp. trees can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Prunus tree or shrub, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Prunus by Cutting
  1. Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
  2. In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 4-8 inch semi-hardwood portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
  3. Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots. 
  4. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Propagating Prunus by Seed
  1. Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant, especially if seed is from a hybrid cultivar. To propagate by seed, you will need a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows. 
  2. Harvest your seeds. They are contained inside of the fruits produced by trees, and are typically ready for harvesting in late June or July. Remove seeds from the interior of the fruit, and gently rinse off any remaining flesh.
  3. Seeds will need a period of cold-stratification before planting. To complete this process, fill a plastic bag or other sealable container with moistened peat moss or sand, and place the seeds in the substrate. Place the container or bag in the refrigerator, and leave for between 6 and 10 weeks' time. This will mimic the winter conditions that these seeds are naturally accustomed to and will jumpstart the germination process. 
  4. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-14 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
  5. Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.
Prunus trees produce fruits that contain the genetic material for the next generation of plants.
Prunus seeds can be smooth or furrowed.

Problems and Pests

Prunus plants are susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases:
  • Honey Fungus
  • Aphids
  • Caterpillars
  • Borers
  • Leaf Spot
  • Powdery Mildew
  • Bacterial Canker
For more information on these landscape problems, consult the following links:
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Gallery

Flowers on these trees are typically either white or pink (or a combination).
These trees can be ornamental or cultivated.
Plants in the Cherry Laurel subgenus are fantastic hedging and privacy plants.

Videos

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Resources

Cherry or Prunus Bonsai Care
How to Grow a Flowering Cherry Blossom Tree
How to Grow and Care for Japanese Flowering Cherry
Guide to Peach Varieties
Wikipedia: Prunus
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 144, Almond; page 536, Prunus triloba 'Flowering Almond'
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