Fuji Cherry Prunus incisa 'Praecox'
ABOUT
The Prunus incisa 'Praecox' is commonly known as the early Fuji cherry. This ornamental cherry is noted for its beautiful early spring blooms. The flowers are a striking white with a hint of pink, particularly as buds. They are quite profuse and cover the branches densely, creating a spectacular spring display that brings a burst of delicate color after the winter months. The leaves of the early Fuji cherry are also attractive, emerging as a fresh green color that complements the spring blossoms. As the seasons change, the foliage often transforms to lovely shades of orange and red, providing an additional display of autumnal interest. The bark of the early Fuji cherry is smooth, adding a subtle but textural contrast to its fine, twiggy branches. Overall, the appearance of the early Fuji cherry is one of elegant beauty, with its combination of spring flowers, vibrant foliage, and attractive bark making it a popular choice for ornamental gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Fuji Cherry, Mikinori Cherry
Common names
Prunus incisa 'Praecox'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Prunus incisa 'Praecox', commonly known as the Fuji cherry, contains certain components that can be toxic to humans if ingested in large quantities. The seeds inside the cherry pits contain amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside. When the body metabolizes amygdalin, it can produce hydrogen cyanide, which is a potentially lethal toxin. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning from consuming cherry seeds may include headache, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, vomiting, and rapid breathing. Extreme cases may lead to convulsions, loss of consciousness, and respiratory failure.
To pets
The Fuji cherry also poses a risk to pets if ingested, as it contains amygdalin, primarily in the seeds. When pets consume the seeds or pits, their body can convert the amygdalin into hydrogen cyanide. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may be similar to humans, including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and lethargy. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to cyanide poisoning, which can result in convulsions, collapse, and potentially be fatal. Owners should take care to prevent pets from accessing the pits of this fruit.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
8 feet [2.44 meters]
Spread
8 feet [2.44 meters]
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Early Spring Blossoms: Produces beautiful white to pale pink flowers in early spring before many other plants have started to bloom.
- Attracts Wildlife: Flowers provide a source of nectar for pollinators like bees, encouraging biodiversity.
- Decorative Fruit: Produces small, ornamental fruits that can add interest to the garden landscape.
- Compact Size: Suitable for small gardens or spaces, as it doesn't grow as large as other ornamental trees.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round visual interest with blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, and vibrant foliage in autumn.
- Easy to Grow: Adaptable to a variety of soils and conditions, making it a good choice for many gardeners.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and care once established, making it ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance garden.
- Improves Biodiversity: Adds to the variety of plant species in an area, which can enhance local ecosystems.
- Urban Tolerant: Capable of growing in urban environments where other trees might struggle, due to its adaptability.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral Arrangements: Branches of Prunus incisa 'Praecox' can be cut and used in floral arrangements, particularly due to their early spring blossoms which add a touch of vivid color and natural charm to any bouquet.
- Bonsai Creation: Due to its small stature and attractive branching patterns, this type of cherry is suitable for bonsai, providing a miniature landscape to enjoy indoors or in small outdoor gardens.
- Photography Subject: The aesthetically pleasing appearance of the Fuji cherry during bloom makes it a much sought-after photography subject for nature photographers and hobbyists alike.
- Wedding Decor: The plant's delicate flowers can be used to create romantic and picturesque wedding decor, including table centerpieces and wedding arch decoration.
- Art Inspiration: The blossoms and overall form of Prunus incisa 'Praecox' have inspired many artists for creating paintings, prints, and textiles, particularly around the theme of spring and renewal.
- Symbolic Gift: In some cultures, offering a branch or a shrub of the Fuji cherry can symbolize goodwill and the wish for new beginnings, making it an appropriate gift for many occasions.
- Culinary Presentation: Although the plant itself is not edible, its flowers can be used as a non-toxic garnish to enhance the visual appeal of plates in high-end culinary settings.
- Educational Tool: The early blooming can be used to teach students or young children about the changing seasons and plant biology, especially the process of flowering in angiosperms.
- Cultural Events: In areas where cherry blossoms are celebrated, like Japanese cherry blossom festivals, the Fuji cherry can be used as part of cultural displays and events.
- Wildlife Habitat: When planted in the garden, Prunus incisa 'Praecox' can offer an early source of nectar for bees and other pollinators, thus contributing to the local ecosystem's health.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Fuji cherry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Fuji cherry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: The Prunus incisa 'Praecox', or Fuji cherry, blooms early in the spring, symbolizing the end of winter and the beginning of a new season.
- Beauty and Life: With its delicate flowers, the Fuji cherry is often associated with the transient nature of life and beauty, reminding us to appreciate the fleeting moments.
- Purity: The white and pink-hued blossoms of this plant are frequently linked to purity and innocence.
- Feminine energy: In many cultures, cherry blossoms carry a soft, feminine symbolism, representing traits such as gentleness and kindness.
- Impermanence: Because cherry blossoms have a short blooming period, they are often seen as a symbol of the ephemeral nature of life itself.
WaterThe Fuji Cherry should be watered regularly, about once a week, providing approximately 1-2 gallons of water each time depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions. During the growing season, you may need to water more frequently, especially if the weather is particularly hot or dry. In the winter, reduce watering but do not let the soil go completely dry. It’s important to water the Fuji Cherry deeply to encourage root growth, so a slow and thorough soaking is preferred over a quick, shallow watering.
LightFuji Cherry thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It should be planted in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it can tolerate light shade, especially during the hottest part of the day or in regions with very intense sun. Avoid placing it in deep shade as this will affect its flowering and overall health.
TemperatureThe Fuji Cherry is hardy and can manage in temperatures as low as -20°F, making it suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8. Its ideal growing condition is in a climate where temperatures range between 30°F and 75°F. Extended periods above this range can stress the plant, and proper care should be taken to ensure it does not dry out.
PruningPrune the Fuji Cherry to maintain its shape and encourage healthier growth. The best time to prune is after the cherry has finished flowering in late spring to early summer. You should remove any dead or damaged branches, thin out overcrowded areas, and cut back branches that spoil the shape of the tree. Pruning should be done annually to promote good air circulation and light penetration into the canopy of the tree.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFuji Cherry requires well-draining soil with a mix of loam, sand, and compost to facilitate good root health. The ideal soil pH for this plant ranges from 6.0 to 7.5, as it prefers a slightly acidic to neutral environment.
RepottingFuji Cherry typically does not need frequent repotting and can often remain in the same pot for several years. Assess the need to repot every 3-5 years, depending on growth rate and root crowding.
Humidity & MistingFuji Cherry thrives in moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to various conditions. It does not have specific high humidity requirements, making it suitable for average outdoor ambient humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Fuji Cherry near a sunny window and ensure moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Plant Fuji Cherry in well-draining soil with full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Prunus incisa 'Praecox', commonly known as Fuji Cherry, starts its life cycle as a seed, which typically requires a period of stratification (cold treatment) to germinate. Seedlings emerge in spring and grow into saplings with characteristic toothed leaves and a sturdy root system. The young Fuji Cherry tree matures over several years, developing its upright branching structure and smooth bark. Full maturity is reached in several years, at which point it begins to produce clusters of delicate white-to-pink flowers very early in spring, sometimes as early as late winter, before the leaves appear. After pollination, usually by bees, the tree bears small cherries that are typically inedible to humans but can serve as food for wildlife. As a deciduous tree, it undergoes an annual cycle of foliage growth in spring and summer, followed by leaf fall in autumn.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The Prunus incisa 'Praecox', commonly known as the Fuji cherry, is best propagated through softwood cuttings. This method is popularly performed in late spring or early summer when the new growth is still flexible but has begun to mature. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long, with a few leaves left at the top. The cut end is dipped into rooting hormone to encourage root development and then inserted into a pot with well-drained potting mix. It's crucial to keep the soil moist and provide a high humidity environment, which can be achieved by covering the pot with a plastic bag. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions before transplanting.
