Cambridge Cherry
Prunus pseudocerasus
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
Prunus pseudocerasus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3.5 m (11ft 6in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in March, and the seeds ripen from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 3.5
Where it is found
Not known in a truly wild situation, though it is often found on sunny mountain slopes and the sides of ravines, usually as a result of cultivation, at elevations of 300 - 600 metres in China.
E. Asia - China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, China*, Myanmar,
How it is used
Food
Rating: 4
Fruit - raw or cooked and used in preserves etc. Cherry-like, it is large and sweet. The fruit is about 15mm in diameter and contains one large seed. The fruit contains about 1% protein, 0.8% fat, 16.5% carbohydrate, 0.6% ash. The flowers are salted and used as a tea. Seed - raw or cooked. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes above on toxicity.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 1
Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, all members of the genus contain amygdalin and prunasin, substances which break down in water to form hydrocyanic acid (cyanide or prussic acid). In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being.
Other
Rating: 1
A green dye can be obtained from the leaves. A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
How it is grown
Thrives in a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil. Prefers some lime in the soil but is likely to become chlorotic if too much lime is present. Succeeds in sun or partial shade though it fruits better in a sunny position. Cultivated for its edible fruit in China. Closely related to P. involucrata. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.
Propagating it: Seed - requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as early in the year as possible. Protect the seed from mice etc. The seed can be rather slow, sometimes taking 18 months to germinate. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in a greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July/August in a frame. Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants in spring to early summer in a frame. Layering in spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where most, if not all members of the genus produce hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. This toxin is found mainly in the leaves and seed and is readily detected by its bitter taste. It is usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm but any very bitter seed or fruit should not be eaten. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.
Its other names
Local names
Synonyms
P. cantabrigensis. Stapf.