Contents
Description
Cerasus Nipponica Var. Kurilensis, commonly known as Kuril cherry, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to Japan, Korea, and the Kuril Islands. The plant can grow up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide, and its lifespan is about 20-50 years. The Kuril cherry has oval-shaped leaves that are dark green in color and have serrated edges. The flowers are white or light pink and bloom in early spring. The fruit is a small, bright red cherry that is edible but sour in taste.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Cerasus |
Appearance
The Kuril cherry has a dense, rounded growth habit and can grow up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide. It has dark green, oval-shaped leaves that are 2-4 inches long and have serrated edges. The leaves turn yellow, orange, or red in the fall. The flowers are white or light pink and bloom in early spring before the leaves emerge. The fruit is a small, bright red cherry that is 1/4 inch in diameter and has a sour taste. The bark of the tree is dark brown and has a rough texture.
Care Guide
The Kuril cherry is easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Here are some tips for caring for your Kuril cherry:
- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season. Reduce watering in the fall and winter.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and fall.
- Soil: The Kuril cherry prefers well-drained, moist soil that is slightly acidic.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The Kuril cherry is hardy in USDA zones 3-7.
Common Pests and Diseases
The Kuril cherry is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to the following:
- Cherry fruit fly: This pest lays its eggs in the fruit and causes it to rot. Remove and destroy infected fruit.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white powdery coating on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and improve air circulation.
Habitat
The Kuril cherry is native to Japan, Korea, and the Kuril Islands. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and along streambanks. The plant prefers well-drained, moist soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 3-7.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Kuril cherry edible?
A: Yes, the fruit is edible but sour in taste.
Q: How often should I water my Kuril cherry?
A: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season. Reduce watering in the fall and winter.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Kuril cherry?
A: The Kuril cherry is hardy in USDA zones 3-7.
Q: How can I prevent cherry fruit fly infestation?
A: Remove and destroy infected fruit and use yellow sticky traps to catch adult flies.
Related Plants
- Cerasus serrulata (Japanese cherry)
- Cerasus avium (sweet cherry)
- Cerasus tomentosa (Nanking cherry)
References
- Dirr, M. A., & Heuser, C. W. (2006). The reference manual of woody plant propagation: from seed to tissue culture. Timber Press.
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Cerasus nipponica var. kurilensis. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d820
- USDA. (n.d.). Plant profile for Cerasus nipponica var. kurilensis. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CENIK
