Cherry Plum
Prunus cerasifera
Also listed as Prunus caspica, Prunus divaricata
Also known as Myrobalan, Myrobalan Plum, Purple-leaf Plum
Climate Match for your location
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A small ornamental tree valued for its early spring blossoms and often colorful foliage depending on cultivar. The edible cherry-plum fruits are small but sweet, and the tree is hardy and adaptable to urban conditions.
Why grow it
Cherry plum offers dual ornamental and productive value in a compact form, flowering earlier in spring than most stone fruits and tolerating urban soil compaction better than standard plums. Compared to larger plum species, it requires less pruning and space while still producing usable fruit, making it practical for smaller yards or as a multi-purpose landscape tree. Cultivar selection allows for foliage variation (purple, bronze, or green) alongside consistent early bloom, which appeals to gardeners seeking season-long interest.
Watch out for
Fruit thinning after bloom improves individual fruit size and tree vigor, though the small yield often makes this effort modest compared to standard plum production. Like other Prunus species, it can develop canker or bacterial spot in humid conditions, so air circulation and sanitation matter more in wet climates. Seedlings from fruit may not match the parent cultivar's characteristics if you plan to propagate from collected seed. The pits, seeds and wilted leaves are toxic; eat only the fruit.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native Range
Western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
Thundercloud and Krauter Vesuvius are the most widely planted selections, prized for their deep purple foliage throughout the season and their use as ornamental street trees. Both produce pink spring blossoms and small dark fruits attractive to wildlife.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A small ornamental tree valued for its early spring blossoms and often colorful foliage depending on cultivar. The edible cherry-plum fruits are small but sweet, and the tree is hardy and adaptable to urban conditions.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Cherry Plum grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Cherry plum offers dual ornamental and productive value in a compact form, flowering earlier in spring than most stone fruits and tolerating urban soil compaction better than standard plums. Compared to larger plum species, it requires less pruning and space while still producing usable fruit, making it practical for smaller yards or as a multi-purpose landscape tree. Cultivar selection allows for foliage variation (purple, bronze, or green) alongside consistent early bloom, which appeals to gardeners seeking season-long interest.
Watch out for
Fruit thinning after bloom improves individual fruit size and tree vigor, though the small yield often makes this effort modest compared to standard plum production. Like other Prunus species, it can develop canker or bacterial spot in humid conditions, so air circulation and sanitation matter more in wet climates. Seedlings from fruit may not match the parent cultivar's characteristics if you plan to propagate from collected seed. The pits, seeds and wilted leaves are toxic; eat only the fruit.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native Range
Western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar sub-canopy trees you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
Thundercloud and Krauter Vesuvius are the most widely planted selections, prized for their deep purple foliage throughout the season and their use as ornamental street trees. Both produce pink spring blossoms and small dark fruits attractive to wildlife.