Family: Rosaceae
Author: Pall.
Bibliography: Fl. Ross. 1: 19 (1784)
Year: 1784
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Prunus
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & SE. Europe to Caucasus
Description
The European dwarf cherry, scientifically known as Prunus fruticosa, is a modest yet captivating member of the Rosaceae family. First described by Pall. in 1784, this hardy plant originates from Central and Southeastern Europe, extending to the Caucasus region.
Prunus fruticosa is a deciduous shrub, often appreciated for its compact size and resilience in various climatic conditions. Growing in a manner characteristic to the European terrain, this shrub thrives in well-drained soils, preferring sunny locations but demonstrating notable tolerance for colder environments. Its natural habitat spans a broad range of climates, from the temperate zones of Central Europe to the slightly more extreme conditions found in southeastern regions and the Caucasus.
In spring, the European dwarf cherry adorns itself with an array of delicate, white blossoms. These flowers are not only visually pleasing but also play a crucial role in the ecosystem, providing nectar for pollinators. As the seasons progress, these blossoms give way to small, red cherries. Although modest in size, the cherries of Prunus fruticosa are rich in nutrients and can attract a variety of bird species and small mammals, contributing to the local biodiversity.
One key feature of Prunus fruticosa is its adaptability. This shrub can be used in garden landscapes to create low hedges or natural borders, adding both aesthetic and practical value to gardens. Its dense foliage offers privacy and wind protection, while the seasonal transformation—from a bloom of flowers to a harvest of cherries—provides a dynamic visual appeal.
Beyond its ornamental usage, the European dwarf cherry holds a place in traditional European horticulture and gardening practices. Its hardiness and low maintenance make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to introduce a touch of natural European charm into their outdoor spaces.
In conclusion, Prunus fruticosa, or the European dwarf cherry, is a versatile and resilient species that enriches both natural environments and cultivated gardens. Its origin from Central and Southeastern Europe to the Caucasus highlights its adaptability and ornamental potential, ensuring its continued appreciation and use across diverse landscapes.
Common Names
Eng: european dwarf cherry, european ground cherry, mongolian cherry, ground cherry, steppe cherry
Deu: steppenkirsche, zwerg-kirsche, zwergekirsche
Fra: prunier nain
Swe: stäppkörsbär
Pol: wisnia karlowata
En: European dwarf cherry, European ground cherry, Mongolian cherry, Ground cherry, Steppe cherry
Zh: Cao yuan ying tao
Fr: Prunier nain
De: Steppenkirsche, Zwergekirsche, Zwerg-Kirsche
Pl: Wisnia karlowata
Pt-br: Cereja-anã
Sv: Stäppkörsbär
Synonyms
- Cerasus fruticosa f. typica ((C.K.Schneid.) S.Ya.Sokolov)
- Prunus fruticosa f. pendula (Dippel)
- Prunus fruticosa var. dispar ((Beck) C.K.Schneid.)
- Cerasus fruticosa f. pendula ((Dippel) S.Ya.Sokolov)
- Prunus fruticosa f. dubia (Miyoshi)
- Prunus fruticosa f. aucta ((Borbás) Jáv.)
- Cerasus fruticosa f. varigata (Browicz & Bugała)
- Cerasus chamaecerasus sativa (Dierb.)
- Prunus chamaecerasus pendula (Behnsch)
- Prunus chamaecerasus var. fruticosa (Willd.)
- Prunus chamaecerasus var. elatior (Wallr.)
- Prunus chamaecerasus var. dispar (Beck)
- Cerasus chamaecerasus var. floribunda (Lavallée)
- Cerasus fruticosa f. dispar ((Beck) S.Ya.Sokolov)
- Prunus pumila var. acuta (Borbás)
- Cerasus fruticosa f. acuta ((Borbás) Jáv.)
- Cerasus chamaecerasus silvestris (Dierb.)
- Prunus fruticosa var. typica (C.K.Schneid.)
- Cerasus fruticosa f. arborescens (Nyár.)
- Cerasus chamaecerasus var. umbraculifera (Lavallée)
- Prunus fruticosa subvar. umbelliflora (Asch. & Graebn.)
- Cerasus chamaecerasus (Loisel.)
- Prunus chamaecerasus (Jacq.)
- Cerasus fruticosa ((Pall.) Borkh.)
- Prunus cerasus var. chamaecerasus ((Jacq.) Döll)
- Prunus intermedia f. marasca (Zabel)
- Prunus intermedia f. sativa (Zabel)
- Prunus chamaecerasus sativa (Rchb.)
- Prunus intermedia f. semperflorens (Zabel)
- Prunus chamaecerasus f. salicifolia (Zabel)
- Prunus fruticosa var. pendula ((Dippel) C.K.Schneid.)
- Prunus chamaecerasus var. pygmaea (Wallr.)
Distribution
- Altay (native)
- Austria (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Central European Rus (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- Germany (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kazakhstan (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- Poland (native)
- Romania (native)
- South European Russi (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- New York (introduced)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Aug 5, 2022 by Jan Muus (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 19, 2020 by TJ (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 19, 2020 by TJ (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 24, 2021 by Laurentiu Paraipan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 25, 2020 by treehugger1966 (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 9, 2009 by EOL − Jan Ševčík (public)
Taken May 29, 2008 by EOL − Václav Dvořák (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 26, 2022 by Claus-Dieter Seidel (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 15, 2021 by Anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 26, 2022 by Claus-Dieter Seidel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 26, 2022 by Claus-Dieter Seidel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 26, 2022 by Claus-Dieter Seidel (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2022 by pablolol (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 28, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 21, 2019 by Vladimir (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 21, 2019 by Vladimir (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 19, 2020 by TJ (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Tercie Kadan (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3023098)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:729729-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Prunus fruticosa Pall.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Single Crown
Growth habit>: Shrub
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 6.0
