Plant · GBIF taxon 3021730
Prunus cerasifera
prunus cerasiferaAlso known as Cherry Plum, Myrobalan Plum, Myrobalan
Cherry plums are among the first deciduous trees to blossom in late winter, painting hedgerows and forest edges with clouds of white or pale pink flowers. These early blooms provide a vital nectar source for queen bumblebees and other emerging pollinators when few other plants are active. The small, round fruits that follow serve as an important food source for local birds and mammals, which subsequently disperse the seeds across the landscape.
DeciduousSpring-BloomingEurasian-Native
- diet
- Autotrophic (Photosynthetic)
- family
- Rosaceae
- threats
- Habitat fragmentation, fungal diseases like black knot, and silver leaf disease
- life Span
- 30 to 50 years
LC
Wild berries have toxic look-alikes; never eat based on app identification alone.
- Spring spotting: Look for the exceptionally early white or pale pink blossoms, which often appear before the leaves emerge in late winter or early spring.
- Wildlife watching: Observe the branches in autumn, when various bird species and small mammals gather to feed on the small, colorful drupes.
- Foliage check: Examine the leaves of ornamental cultivars, which frequently display deep purple or bronze coloration throughout the growing season.