Pin Cherry
Prunus pensylvanica
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
Prunus pensylvanica is a deciduous Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen in 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 cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 12
Where it is found
Rocky woods in moist rather rich soils. Prefers wet woodlands, old tamarack bogs and interdunal swamps.
Northern and Eastern N. America - British Columbia to Newfoundland, south to Georgia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit - raw or cooked. A thin sour flesh. Usually too sour to be eaten raw, it is used mainly for making pies, jellies etc. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter and contains one large seed. A gum that exudes from the trunk can be used as a chewing gum. 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.
Gum: can be chewed as a chewing gum or can often be used as a sweetener or thickening agent in foods.
Medicine
Rating: 2
An infusion of the bark has been used in the treatment of fevers, bronchitis, coughs and colds, infections and blood poisoning. A decoction of the inner bark has been used in the treatment of laryngitis. A poultice of the boiled, shredded inner bark has been applied to a bleeding umbilical cord. An infusion of the inner bark has been used as an eye wash for sore eyes. The astringent root bark has been used as a wash on old sores and ulcers. A decoction of the root has been used as a treatment for stomach pains. The fruit is often used domestically in the preparation of cough mixtures. 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.
Antitussive: Prevents or relieves coughing.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.
Pectoral: Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.
Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.
Salve: Soothes and heals damaged skin.
Other
Rating: 2
A green dye can be obtained from the leaves. A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit. The outer bark is used to ornament baskets. It is watertight and resists decay. The tree has a vigorous root system and is sometimes planted to stabilise soils and contain erosion. It is a good pioneer species for burnt over land. It establishes quickly, providing shelter for other woodland trees and then dying out. Wood - light, soft, close grained. It weighs 31lb per cubic foot. Only used as a fuel.
Basketry: Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Gum: Gums have a wide range of uses, especially as stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickening agents, adhesives etc.
Pioneer: Plants, usually trees and shrubs, that can be used to reforest land.
Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
How it is grown
Thrives in a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil, growing well on limestone. Prefers some lime in the soil but is likely to become chlorotic if too much lime is present. Requires a sunny position and soon dying out if in the shade of other trees. A fast growing but short-lived tree. This species plays a vital role in the regeneration of forests in its native habitats, acting as a nurse tree until it is shaded out by other trees. It often springs up in burnt-over areas from seed spread by birds and mammals. Closely related to P. emarginata, and hybridizing with it where their ranges overlap. A good bee plant. The fruit is very attractive to birds. 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. The stored seed is best given 2 months warm followed by 3 months cold stratification. 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. A very low percentage. Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants in spring to early summer in a frame. Layering in spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness:
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
The seed and leaves contain hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. This toxin is readily detected by its bitter taste. Usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm, 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
Cerasus pensylvanica.