Contents
Description
Prunus Media, commonly known as the Caucasian plum or cherry plum, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to the Caucasus region of Europe and Asia and is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree in Europe and North America. The tree can grow up to 15 meters tall and has a rounded crown. It produces small, fragrant white flowers in early spring, followed by small, round, edible fruits that ripen in late summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Prunus |
Appearance
The Prunus Media has a smooth grey bark and dark green leaves that are oval-shaped and pointed. The leaves turn yellow in the fall before dropping. It produces small, fragrant white flowers in early spring that grow in clusters. The fruit is small, round, and red or yellow, with a sweet and slightly tart taste.
Care Guide
The Prunus Media requires moderate watering and fertilization during the growing season. It grows best in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Prunus Media is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including aphids, spider mites, plum curculio, black knot disease, and powdery mildew. Regular inspection and treatment with appropriate pesticides can help prevent and control these issues.
Habitat
The Prunus Media is native to the Caucasus region of Europe and Asia and is commonly grown as an ornamental tree in Europe and North America. It grows well in a variety of soil types and can tolerate cold temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Prunus Media a fruit-bearing tree?
A: Yes, the Prunus Media produces small, edible fruits in late summer.
Q: What is the best time to prune the Prunus Media?
A: The best time to prune the Prunus Media is in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Q: Can the Prunus Media tolerate drought?
A: No, the Prunus Media requires moderate watering and cannot tolerate prolonged drought.
Q: Is the Prunus Media a fast-growing tree?
A: Yes, the Prunus Media can grow up to 1 meter per year under ideal conditions.
Related Plants
- Prunus Avium (Sweet Cherry)
- Prunus Cerasifera (Cherry Plum)
- Prunus Persica (Peach)
- Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot)
References
- “Prunus Media.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c156. Accessed 11 May 2021.
- “Prunus Media.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/8845/prunus-media/details. Accessed 11 May 2021.
- “Caucasian Plum.” University of Nebraska-Lincoln, hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/2001/3-23-2001/caucasianplum.html. Accessed 11 May 2021.
