Cherry prinsepia
Prinsepia sinensis
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
A spreading open shrub. It has spines and loses its leaves during the year. It grows 2-3 m tall. The crown is rounded. The leaves are sword shaped and bright green. They are 8 cm long and 2.5 cm wide. The flowers are bright yellow and have 5 petals. They are fragrant. The flowers are produced along the entire stem length. They are in clusters of 1-4 on the previous year's growth. They fruit is cherry like. It is edible.
There are 4 Prinsepia species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in shady places and open places and beside streams. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Canada, China, Himalayas, Korea, Manchuria (country/location of origin), Russia
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten raw. They can also be made into jelly.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed. These are best if given cold treatment before planting. Plants can be transplanted and pruned. Plants can be grown by stem cuttings or half ripe wood. They can also be grown by layering.
In China plants flower in April and May and fruit in May to September.