Description

Leaves: Dark green and hairless on top, yellow fall color; midrib is downy, as are veins beneath; alternate; simple; oval or egg-shaped, 2-1/2" to 4-1/2" in length, apex has slender narrowing, round or wedge-shaped on the base, doubly toothed.

Twigs/buds: Twigs from current year are brown and thin.

Flowers/fruit: Flowers perfect; fragrant, pink or white, diameter of 1" to 1-1/2", occur in March-April with the leaves; in racemes of at least 4 flowers. Fruit ball-shaped drupes, black, shiny, and small (1/2" in diameter); attracts birds.

Bark: Smooth, red-gray, horizontal lenticels.

Wood: Unimportant.

General: A common hybrid ornamental cherry; probably a hybrid or hybrids of P. serrulata and P. subhirtella. Fast growing with a spreading habit with horizontal branching, growing 20' to 30' in height, but can reach 40' to 50'. Prefers full sun, moisture, and well drained soils. Sensitive to drought.

Landscape Use: Good for shade near patios, decks, or sidewalks. Avoid planting near streets and parking lots because it is sensitive to drought. Great display of flowers. Full sun needed to prevent a reduction in flowering. Zones 5-8.

Cultivars: 'Afterglow', 'Akebono', 'Berry', 'Ivensii', 'Pink Shell', 'Snow Fountains' or Prunus x 'Snow Fountains' 

Characteristics