Lapins Cherry Prunus avium 'Lapins' (F)
ABOUT
Lapins cherry is a deciduous fruit tree that is known for its beautiful and productive characteristics. The plant typically develops a broadly spreading canopy that provides shade and aesthetic appeal when in full leaf. During spring, it bursts forth with a profusion of white blossoms that cover the branches, signaling the end of cold days. These flowers are not only attractive but also have a subtle fragrance that can be noticed when standing close to the tree. As the flowers fade and the fruit sets, the leaves emerge. They are a rich green color and have a smooth texture, with a classic oval shape that comes to a point at the tip. The real draw of Lapins cherry, however, is its fruit. The cherries are large and deep red when ripe, almost resembling wine-red jewels hanging amidst the green leaves. They boast a firm flesh that is known for being both sweet and juicy, excellent for fresh eating right off the tree or for use in cooking and baking. Ripe cherries contrast beautifully with the foliage, making the tree not only a source of delicious fruit but also an ornamental specimen in the landscape. As the season progresses, the green leaves of the Lapins cherry turn various shades of yellow, orange, and red, creating a warm autumn display. After the leaves drop in fall, the plant's silhouette, with its sturdy branches, takes on a stately appearance throughout the winter months. While the Lapins cherry tree has a significant presence in the garden or orchard, its exact size, however, is not a feature to be discussed, but rest assured it has the robustness typical of cherry trees, necessitating adequate space for it to flourish and providing a substantial amount of fruit once mature.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Lapins Cherry, Lapins Sweet Cherry, Lapins Cherry.
Common names
Prunus avium 'Lapins'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question, commonly known as the cherry tree, is generally not toxic to humans when the fruit flesh is consumed. However, it is important to note that the seeds, leaves, and stems of cherry trees contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when ingested. If a person were to chew and swallow a large number of cherry pits, they could experience symptoms of cyanide poisoning, which include headache, dizziness, confusion, seizures, and potentially fatal respiratory failure. Ingesting any other part of the plant besides the fruit flesh should be avoided.
To pets
Similar to humans, the cherry tree can be toxic to pets. The seeds, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can convert to cyanide when ingested. If a pet consumes a significant amount of cherry pits, leaves or stems, they may exhibit symptoms of cyanide poisoning, such as salivation, difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, panting, and shock. In severe cases, ingestion can be fatal to pets. Pet owners should ensure that their animals do not have access to these parts of the cherry tree.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
16 feet (4.9 meters)
Spread
12 feet (3.7 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Edible Fruit: Produces sweet cherries, which are a popular fruit for fresh eating, cooking, and baking.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Offers ornamental value with its attractive spring blossoms and fall foliage.
- Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees and other pollinators with its flowers, benefiting the ecosystem.
- Shade Provider: Can be used as a shade tree in landscapes and gardens.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides food and shelter for various birds and wildlife species.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it a good choice for low-maintenance gardens.
- Adaptable: Tolerates a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained conditions.
- Compact Growth: 'Lapins' is a self-fertile variety that does not require a pollinator, suitable for smaller gardens.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant: Sweet cherry fruits, including those of the Lapins variety, contain antioxidants like vitamin C and flavonoids that can help reduce oxidative stress in the body.
- Anti-inflammatory: The compounds in sweet cherries have been associated with anti-inflammatory properties, which may benefit individuals with inflammatory conditions.
- Sleep aid: Cherries, including the Lapins variety, are a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep patterns, and may be beneficial for individuals with sleep disorders.
- Gout management: Consumption of sweet cherries has been linked to reduced levels of uric acid, which may help in managing gout, although further research is needed to fully substantiate this potential use.
- Heart health: The bioactive compounds found in sweet cherries may have cardioprotective effects and support heart health through various mechanisms, though specific benefits linked to Lapins cherries have not been fully studied.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wildlife habitat: The Lapins cherry tree provides shelter and nesting sites for various bird species.
- Woodworking: The wood of the cherry tree can be used for crafting furniture, musical instruments, and decorative items due to its fine grain and attractive color.
- Dye production: The bark, roots, and fruit of the cherry tree can be used to create natural dyes for textiles.
- Culinary garnish: Fresh cherry blossoms and leaves can be used as edible decorations for dishes, particularly in Japanese cuisine.
- Photography subject: The beautiful blossoms of the cherry tree make it a popular subject for nature and landscape photographers, especially during the spring bloom.
- Traditional ceremonies: In some cultures, cherry blossoms are used in festivals and ceremonies to symbolize various concepts, such as the transient nature of life.
- Floral arrangements: Cherry tree branches with blossoms are often used in flower arrangements and bouquets, especially for spring-themed events.
- Educational resource: Cherry trees can be used in botanical gardens and environmental education programs to teach about plant life cycles and horticulture.
- Bonsai: Some cherry tree varieties, including dwarf types, can be cultivated as bonsai for aesthetic and hobby purposes.
- Beekeeping attraction: Cherry blossoms are a good source of nectar, making the trees beneficial for beekeepers looking to promote honey production.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sweet Cherry Tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sweet Cherry Tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: Prunus avium 'Lapins', commonly known as Sweet Cherry, often symbolizes love due to its heart-shaped fruits and the sweetness it represents, which is akin to the sweetness in a loving relationship.
- New Beginnings: The Sweet Cherry is also a symbol for new beginnings, representing the start of spring with its beautiful blossoms that signal the end of winter and the start of a fruitful season.
- Renewal: Associated with the cycle of life, the cherry tree's ability to bloom anew each year is seen as a sign of renewal and the perpetual rhythm of life.
- Education and Learning: Due to its prolific nature and the fact that many cherry species are found on educational institution grounds, Sweet Cherry can symbolize the pursuit of knowledge and the growth of the mind.
- Good Fortune: In some cultures, Sweet Cherry trees are believed to bring good fortune, especially if the trees are healthy and bear a lot of fruit, indicating prosperity and abundance.
WaterThe Sweet Cherry tree, commonly known as Lapins Cherry, should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root growth. Newly planted trees require watering every week with approximately 5 gallons of water, especially during dry spells. Once established, they should be watered every two to three weeks if there is no significant rainfall, with increased frequency during prolonged dry periods or hot weather. During the growing season, an established tree typically benefits from a thorough watering that delivers about 15 gallons every couple of weeks to maintain consistent soil moisture.
LightSweet Cherry trees thrive in full sunlight, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for planting a Lapins Cherry is an area with unfiltered sun exposure, away from buildings or taller trees that might cast shade upon it throughout the day. This ensures optimal fruit production and overall health of the tree.
TemperatureSweet Cherry trees flourish in a temperate climate and can withstand winter chill down to around -20 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. However, Lapins Cherry trees are also capable of tolerating summer highs up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, as long as they are provided with adequate water.
PruningPruning is essential for the Lapins Cherry tree as it maintains the tree's structure, helps to prevent disease by increasing airflow, and ensures that sunlight reaches all the fruit. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before the tree breaks dormancy and when it is easiest to see the tree's structure. A mature Lapins Cherry tree should be pruned annually to remove dead or diseased wood, thin out crowded branches, and shape the tree for easier harvest.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Sweet Cherry 'Lapins' prefers well-draining, deep, fertile soil with a pH between 6.2 to 6.8. A mixture of loam, compost, and a balanced addition of organic matter will provide the best soil mix for healthy growth and fruit production.
RepottingSweet Cherry 'Lapins' do not require frequent repotting as they are typically grown outdoors in the ground. However, if grown in a container, repotting every 2-3 years will refresh the soil and allow for continued healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingSweet Cherry 'Lapins' is adaptable but performs best with moderate ambient humidity. High humidity can promote fungal diseases, so ensure good air circulation if humidity levels are elevated.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Growing 'Lapins' Cherry indoors is not recommended; they need full sun.
Outdoor
Plant 'Lapins' Cherry in full sun, ensure well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe 'Lapins' cherry tree, a cultivar of Prunus avium, begins its life cycle as a dormant bare-root plant or potted sapling that is typically planted in late winter to early spring. As soil temperatures rise, it enters a growth phase, characterized by the budding of leaves and eventually flowering, with delicate white blossoms appearing in mid-spring. Following pollination, which is usually achieved by bees or other insects, the flowers give way to the formation of small green cherries, which grow and ripen into large, sweet, dark red fruits by mid-summer. 'Lapins' is self-fertile, meaning it does not require another cherry variety for pollination. Throughout the growing season, the tree also adds new leafy growth and expands its root system. As autumn approaches, the cherry tree begins to enter dormancy, shedding its leaves and preparing to withstand winter conditions until the following spring when the cycle restarts.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Prunus avium 'Lapins', commonly known as the Lapins cherry, is by grafting. Grafting involves taking a scion, which is a young shoot or twig, from the Lapins cherry tree and attaching it to a compatible rootstock. This process is typically carried out during the dormant season, which is late winter or early spring before the buds start to swell. To graft, a cut is made in the rootstock and a similarly shaped cut is made in the base of the scion. The scion is then inserted into the cut in the rootstock so that the cambium layers, which are the growth layers of the wood, match up. This connection is then wrapped and sealed to prevent disease and drying out, allowing the scion to grow together and fuse with the rootstock, thus combining the desirable fruit characteristics of the 'Lapins' cherry with the vigor and adaptability of the rootstock.
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