Fuji Cherry Prunus incisa f. yamadei
ABOUT
The plant in question, commonly known as Fuji cherry, is recognized for its striking visual appeal, particularly during its blooming period. The leaves of the Fuji cherry are small and finely toothed, boasting a fresh green color that can turn shades of red and orange, creating a beautiful display in the fall. In spring, it becomes particularly eye-catching when it produces an abundance of delicate flowers that can range from pure white to soft pink. The flowers themselves are noteworthy, with each blossom formed from five rounded petals arranged around a central cluster of darker-colored stamens, creating a subtle contrast. These blooms tend to appear in clusters, which adds to the ornamental value of the plant and makes it a favorite among garden enthusiasts who are looking for spectacular spring blooms. After the flowering season, the Fuji cherry produces small fruits that, while not commonly consumed, add to the visual interest of the plant. The overall shape of the plant can vary, often presenting a pleasing, rounded canopy that exudes a sense of gracefulness. The Fuji cherry is prized not only for its esthetic value but also for its compact size which allows it to fit well in a variety of garden settings, providing a burst of color without requiring a large footprint. With its seasonal changes and vibrant colors, the Fuji cherry remains a charming and popular choice for ornamental planting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Fuji Cherry
Common names
Prunus incisa f. yamadei
ToxicityTo humans
The most common common name for Prunus incisa f. yamadei is the Fuji cherry. Generally, members of the Prunus genus, which includes cherries, plums, apricots, and almonds, can have parts that are toxic to humans, most notably the seeds, leaves, and stems. They contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when metabolized. If ingested in large enough quantities, cyanide can interfere with oxygen transport in the body, leading to symptoms such as headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, seizures, coma, and even death. The actual fruit flesh of cherries is typically safe to eat, but one should be cautious to avoid consuming the pits.
To pets
The most common common name for Prunus incisa f. yamadei is the Fuji cherry. As with their toxicity to humans, parts of the Fuji cherry, particularly the seeds, leaves, and stems, can be toxic to pets due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides. When pets chew on or ingest these parts, cyanide can be released into their systems. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include salivation, difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, panting, and shock. In serious cases, ingestion may lead to seizures, coma, and potentially be fatal. It is important to keep pets away from these parts of the plants to avoid accidental poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Appeal: The Fuji Cherry, with its profusion of blossoms, adds aesthetic value and beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Compact Growth: Being a small tree, it is suitable for gardens with limited space and can be grown in containers.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides a burst of spring color and has seasonal foliage changes that contribute to the year-round interest in the landscape.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it suitable for busy gardeners and low-maintenance landscapes.
- Cultural Significance: It has cultural importance in Japan, where cherry blossoms have traditional significance and are celebrated during the Hanami festival.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodworking: The hard wood of the Fuji cherry can be used for crafting small objects like handles, ornaments, and intricate carvings.
- Bonsai: Prized for its delicate flowers and branch structure, the Fuji cherry is cultivated as a bonsai specimen, offering year-round interest through its foliage, blossoms, and bark.
- Photography: The stunning springtime blossoms provide a picturesque subject for photography enthusiasts, especially during cherry blossom festivals.
- Landscape Design: Due to its compact size and attractive spring blossoms, the Fuji cherry can be used as a feature plant in garden design and urban landscaping projects.
- Edible Flowers: Although not commonly used for culinary purposes, the blossoms of the Fuji cherry can be crystalized or used as a garnish for desserts and salads.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the elegant form and blooms of the Fuji cherry as subjects in paintings, drawings, and other visual art forms.
- Educational Tool: Schools and botanic gardens could use the Fuji cherry as an example when teaching about the different species of cherry trees and their characteristics.
- Cultural Symbol: In Japan, the Fuji cherry may be incorporated into cultural events and festivals as a symbol of spring and natural beauty.
- Crafts: The dried branches and blossoms of the Fuji cherry can be used in floral displays and craft work such as wreaths and dried flower arrangements.
- Wildlife Habitat: The Fuji cherry can provide food in the form of fruit and nectar for birds, bees, and other local wildlife, supporting biodiversity in the garden.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Prunus incisa is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Prunus incisa is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: The blossoms of the Fuji Cherry, which is a common name for Prunus incisa f. yamadei, herald the arrival of spring, symbolizing new beginnings and the renewal of nature.
- Beauty: With its delicate flowers, the Fuji Cherry is often seen as a symbol of beauty and the aesthetic pleasures that nature can provide.
- Impermanence: The fleeting beauty of the blossoms, which are often at their peak for only a short period, reflects the Japanese concept of 'mono no aware,' highlighting the ephemeral nature of life and beauty.
- Purity: The pure white color of some Fuji Cherry blossoms can symbolize purity and innocence.
WaterFuji cherry should be watered deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, usually once or twice a week during its growing season in spring and summer. Reduce watering in the fall and further in the winter to when the soil is dry a few inches deep. Typically, this could mean using about 1 to 2 gallons per watering for a young tree, adjusting based on the size and age of the tree and your local weather conditions. It's important to avoid over-watering, as Fuji cherry does not like to sit in soggy soil.
LightFuji cherry prefers full sun to partial shade, so it should be planted in a location where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. It thrives in a spot that offers morning sunlight and some afternoon shade in very hot climates, as excessive heat can be damaging.
TemperatureThe Fuji cherry can usually tolerate temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit, but the ideal growing temperature range is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand brief periods of higher temperatures but providing some shade during the hottest part of the day can prevent stress.
PruningPrune the Fuji cherry to shape it and remove any dead or diseased branches in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Thinning out some of the branches every few years helps light and air reach the inner canopy, promoting a healthier tree. Periodic pruning also encourages the growth of more flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFuji Cherry prefers well-draining soil, a mix of loam, sand, and organic matter. Ideal soil pH for Fuji Cherry is slightly acidic to neutral, roughly between 5.5 and 7.0.
RepottingFuji Cherry should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and allow for root growth. Younger trees may require more frequent repotting.
Humidity & MistingFuji Cherry thrives in moderate humidity levels, but it is adaptable to various conditions as long as the soil moisture is well-regulated.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temps, and water when top soil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to part shade, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
6-8 USDA
Life cyclePrunus incisa f. yamadei, more commonly known as the Fuji cherry, starts its life cycle when a seed germinates in the soil, usually in spring when the temperatures start to increase. The seedling grows into a sapling, developing a root system and foliage, and over several years, it matures into an adult tree. During its mature stage, the Fuji cherry produces blossoms in early spring, which are pollinated by insects, leading to the development of small cherry fruits containing seeds. Once ripe, the fruits may be eaten by wildlife, and the seeds are dispersed to new locations. After several years of growth and reproduction, the tree will eventually senesce, with a decrease in vitality and productivity until it dies, completing its life cycle. Throughout its life, the tree goes through a process of annual growth, with periods of dormancy in winter and active growth in spring and summer.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Prunus incisa f. yamadei, commonly known as Fuji cherry, is most commonly propagated by softwood cuttings. This technique is typically used in late spring to early summer when new growth is still green and flexible but has not yet hardened into woody stems. To propagate by cuttings, one would cut a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) portion of softwood, remove the leaves from the lower half, and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. The cutting should then be placed in a well-drained soil mix, kept moist, and provided with high humidity and indirect light. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the cuttings can be transplanted outdoors or into individual pots for further growth.
