Prunus Mandshurica

Description

The Prunus Mandshurica, commonly known as the Manchurian cherry or the Manchurian almond, is a deciduous tree native to Korea, northeastern China, and southeastern Russia. It belongs to the Rosaceae family and is one of the hardiest cherry trees, capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -40 Celsius.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The Prunus Mandshurica typically grows up to 20-30 feet tall and 20-25 feet wide. It has a rounded crown with an open habit and a straight trunk. The leaves are oval to lanceolate, 2-4 inches long, and 1-2 inches wide. They are dark green in color and turn a beautiful yellow-orange in the fall. The flowers are pink to white, 1-1.5 inches in diameter, and bloom in early spring. The fruit is a small cherry-like drupe, 1/2 inch in diameter, and ripens in mid to late summer.

Care Guide

The Prunus Mandshurica is a low maintenance tree that is easy to grow. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Here are some care tips:

• Water: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Afterward, water only during prolonged dry spells.
• Fertilization: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) or a slow-release fertilizer.
• Soil: The tree prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH (5.5-6.5).
• Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
• Hardiness Zones: The Prunus Mandshurica is hardy in zones 3-7.

Common Pests & Diseases

The Prunus Mandshurica is generally pest and disease resistant. However, here are some common issues to watch out for:

• Aphids: These tiny insects may cluster on the leaves and suck plant sap, causing the leaves to curl and turn yellow. Use insecticidal soap to control them.
• Scale insects: These small, immobile insects may attach themselves to the bark or leaves and suck plant sap. They can be controlled with horticultural oil.
• Cherry leaf spot: This fungal disease causes small purple spots on the leaves, which eventually turn yellow and fall off. Remove and destroy the infected leaves and apply a fungicide as needed.
• Cytospora canker: This fungal disease can cause dieback and cankers on the trunk and branches. Prune and destroy infected parts and apply a fungicide as needed.

Habitat

The Prunus Mandshurica is commonly found in forests, thickets, and along stream banks in its native range. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate drought and cold temperatures.

Question and Answer

Q: Is the Prunus Mandshurica edible?

A: Yes, the fruit is edible but not commonly consumed as it is small and sour.

Q: Does the Prunus Mandshurica attract wildlife?

A: Yes, the tree’s flowers and fruit attract bees, birds, and other wildlife.

Q: Can the Prunus Mandshurica be grown in containers?

A: It is not recommended to grow the tree in containers as it prefers well-drained soil and can grow up to 30 feet tall.

Q: How fast does the Prunus Mandshurica grow?

A: The tree grows at a moderate rate of 1-2 feet per year.

Related Plants

• Prunus avium (sweet cherry)
• Prunus serrulata (Japanese cherry)
• Prunus cerasus (sour cherry)
• Prunus virginiana (chokecherry)

References

• “Prunus mandshurica.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 30, 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287693&isprofile=0.
• “Prunus mandshurica.” Plant Finder. Accessed September 30, 2021. https://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/3136/manchurian-cherry/.
• “Prunus mandshurica.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed September 30, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/338235/Prunus-mandshurica/Details.