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Overview
Prunus cerasifera is a small deciduous tree reaching 15-25 feet (4.6-7.6 m) tall with a spread of 15-25 feet (4.6-7.6 m), developing a rounded to broadly spreading crown. The species type has green foliage and white flowers, but purple-leaved cultivars such as 'Atropurpurea', 'Thundercloud', and 'Krauter Vesuvius' are far more commonly planted. Bark is smooth, dark reddish-brown to gray, developing shallow fissures with age. Leaves are alternate, simple, ovate to obovate, 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) long, with finely serrate margins. On the species type, foliage is green; on purple-leaved cultivars, foliage emerges deep reddish-purple and maintains purple tones through summer, fading somewhat in hot weather. Single flowers, 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm) across, are white on the species type and pink on purple-leaved cultivars, appearing profusely in February to March before or concurrent with leaf emergence. Flowers are lightly fragrant. Small cherry-like drupes, 0.75-1.25 inches (2-3 cm) in diameter, ripen red to purple in July to August on the species and some cultivars; fruit is edible but tart. Purple-leaved cultivars vary in fruit production — some are prolific, creating considerable litter on pavement. Growth rate is moderate to fast at 12-24 inches (30-61 cm) per year. Trees are relatively short-lived at 20-30 years. Susceptible to bacterial canker (Pseudomonas syringae), brown rot, aphids, tent caterpillars, and borers. Bacterial canker is the primary cause of premature decline in the Pacific Northwest.
Native Range
Native to southeastern Europe and western Asia, from the Balkans through Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, and Central Asia. Occurs in hedgerows, woodland margins, and open rocky slopes. Widely naturalized in western Europe, parts of North America, and Australia. The purple-leaved form 'Atropurpurea' (Pissard plum) was introduced to France from Iran in 1880.Suggested Uses
Commonly planted as a specimen or accent tree in residential landscapes for early spring flowers and purple foliage color. Space 15-20 feet (4.6-6 m) from other trees. Purple-leaved cultivars provide season-long foliage contrast in mixed borders. Fruiting cultivars create litter on pavement; select low-fruiting types for streetscapes. Short lifespan of 20-30 years requires planning for replacement. The species type is used as rootstock for ornamental and fruiting plum cultivars.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 25'
Width/Spread15' - 25'
Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years
Bloom Information
Flowers appear in February to March, among the earliest of any deciduous trees to bloom. In the Pacific Northwest, bloom typically begins in mid- to late February and lasts 2-3 weeks. Flowers open before or concurrent with leaf emergence. Late frosts rarely affect bloom because flowers are cold-tolerant. Fruit ripens in July to August; production varies by cultivar.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pink on purple-leaved cultivars; white on species typeFoliage Description
Reddish-purple on common cultivars; green on species typeGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Water regularly during the first two growing seasons. Established trees are moderately drought-tolerant. Plant in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light; purple foliage color intensity diminishes in shade. Tolerates a range of soil types but requires good drainage; root rot develops in waterlogged conditions. Bacterial canker (Pseudomonas syringae) is the primary disease concern, causing branch dieback, cankers with amber gum exudation, and premature decline. Prune only during dry weather to reduce canker infection risk. Aphids colonize new growth in spring; wash off with water or allow natural predator buildup. Tent caterpillars form webs in branch crotches in spring; remove webs when small. Fruit drop from productive cultivars creates litter and staining on pavement; site away from walks and patios where this is a concern.Pruning
Prune in midsummer (June through July) during dry weather to minimize bacterial canker infection, which enters through wounds during cool, wet conditions. Remove dead, damaged, and crossing branches. Light thinning improves air circulation. Avoid heavy pruning, which stimulates water sprouts. Remove any green-leaved reversions on purple cultivars immediately. Do not prune during wet weather or the dormant season in the Pacific Northwest.Pruning Schedule
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