Korean cherry (Prunus tomentosa, J.A.Murray, Syst. Veg. ed. 14: 464 (1784))

Family: Rosaceae

Author: Thunb.

Bibliography: J.A.Murray, Syst. Veg. ed. 14: 464 (1784)

Year: 1784

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Prunus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Tibet to China, Sakhalin

Description

The Korean cherry, also known by its scientific name Prunus tomentosa, is a captivating ornamental plant that holds significant historical and botanical importance. Described in the 14th edition of the “Systema Vegetabilium” by J.A. Murray in 1784, this plant was classified by the renowned botanist Carl Peter Thunberg.

Belonging to the Rosaceae family, the Korean cherry is intrinsically linked to a geographical range that spans from Tibet to China and extends to the island of Sakhalin. This broad distribution reflects the plant’s adaptability and the diverse climates in which it can thrive.

Prunus tomentosa is cherished not only for its appealing aesthetic qualities but also for its resilience and versatility in various environments. Characterized by its distinctive cherry blossoms, the Korean cherry produces a plethora of small, yet vibrantly colored flowers that add a splash of beauty to any landscape. The flowers are often pink or white and bloom profusely, typically in the spring, heralding the arrival of warmer seasons.

The plant is also notable for its fruit, which, while small, is edible and offers a pleasant taste. The cherries are rich in vitamins and can be consumed fresh or used in various culinary applications, including jams and preserves. Additionally, the fruits are a valuable food source for wildlife, making the Korean cherry an ecologically significant species in its native regions.

In terms of cultivation, the Korean cherry is relatively hardy and can be grown in a range of soil types, provided they are well-draining. It prefers a sunny or partially shaded position and requires moderate watering, making it an accessible choice for gardeners and horticulturists.

Overall, Prunus tomentosa is a remarkable species that combines ornamental beauty with practical benefits, encapsulating the botanical richness found within the Rosaceae family. Its historical and geographical significance only adds to its allure, making the Korean cherry a plant of enduring interest and value.

Common Names

Eng: korean cherry, manchu cherry, nanking cherry, downy cherry
Lit: veltininė vyšnia
Deu: japanische mandelkirsche
Swe: luddkörsbär
Est: vilt-kirsipuu
Fra: cerisier tomenteux
En: Korean cherry, Manchu cherry, Downy cherry, Nanking cherry
Zh: Mao ying tao
Et: Vilt-kirsipuu
Fr: Cerisier tomenteux
De: Japanische Mandelkirsche
Ja: Yusura-ume
Ko: Aengdunamu
Lt: Veltininė vyšnia
Sv: Luddkörsbär

Synonyms

• Prunus tomentosa var. kashkarovii (Koehne)
• Armeniaca trichocarpa ((Bunge) M.Roem.)
• Prunus tomentosa var. insularis (Koehne)
• Prunus tomentosa f. oblonga (Skvortsov)
• Prunus tomentosa f. leucocarpa (Rehder)
• Prunus tomentosa var. souliei (Koehne)
• Prunus tomentosa f. ovata (Skvortsov)
• Prunus tomentosa var. trichocarpa ((Bunge) Koehne)
• Prunus cinerascens var. yunnanensis (Cardot)
• Prunus tomentosa var. spaethiana (Koehne)
• Prunus batalinii ((C.K.Schneid.) Koehne)
• Microcerasus tomentosa f. batalinii ((C.K.Schneid.) Eremin & Yushev)
• Prunus trichocarpa (Bunge)
• Prunus tomentosa var. heteromera (Koehne)
• Prunus tomentosa var. graebneriana (Koehne)
• Microcerasus tomentosa ((Thunb.) Eremin & Juschev)
• Microcerasus tomentosa f. cinerascens (Eremin & Juschev)
• Amygdalus tomentosa ((Thunb.) K.Koch)
• Prunus tomentosa var. breviflora (Koehne)
• Prunus tomentosa var. batalinii (C.K.Schneid.)
• Cerasus tomentosa var. pendula (B.Y.Feng & S.M.Xie)
• Prunus tomentosa var. endotricha (Koehne)
• Cerasus tomentosa ((Thunb.) Loisel.)
• Cerasus tomentosa f. oblonga (Skvortsov)
• Prunus tomentosa var. tsuluensis (Koehne)

Distribution

• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Qinghai (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Central European Rus (introduced)
• East European Russia (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Iowa (introduced)
• Kazakhstan (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• Manitoba (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• Minnesota (introduced)
• Nebraska (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Ohio (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Primorye (introduced)
• Saskatchewan (introduced)
• South Dakota (introduced)
• South European Russi (introduced)
• Tadzhikistan (introduced)
• Ukraine (introduced)
• Utah (introduced)
• West Himalaya (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Jun 29, 2021 by Tom Christiansen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2022 by Emeline (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2022 by Мара (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 29, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2021 by LV LV (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 15, 2022 by Oskar Richardt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2022 by Emeline (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2021 by Kristina Mills (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 26, 2022 by Thom Voth (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Howard, R.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 15, 2010 by EOL − Chicago Botanic Garden 2010 (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2022 by Jennifer Himmelreich (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Howard, R.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2022 by Emeline (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 29, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Mar 29, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2020 by manfred (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2021 by Gwynne Lim (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 21, 2020 by Claudia Weber (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2019 by Doris Pozo (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Howard, R.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2020 by Lindsey Cunningham (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2021 by Sabaté Sant Jordi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 26, 2022 by Bill Wu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2022 by Jennifer Himmelreich (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 4, 2019 by Jean-Rémy MALLARD (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:730359-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3020838)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Prunus tomentosa Thunb.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Single Crown

Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.2

Ph minimum: 5.7