Tibetan cherry Prunus serrula 'Branklyn'
ABOUT
The Prunus serrula 'Branklyn', also commonly known as the Tibetan cherry, is particularly celebrated for its distinctive and highly ornamental bark. The bark has a glossy, almost lacquer-like finish, with hues that range from a rich copper to deep mahogany. Throughout the year, the sheen of the bark catches the light, making it a stunning feature in any garden setting, especially during winter months when the plant structure is more exposed. The leaves of the Tibetan cherry present themselves with a lance-shaped, elongated form and have finely serrated edges that give them a dainty and intricate texture. Fresh green in color when they emerge, the foliage matures to a darker shade of green, providing a lovely contrast against the shiny bark. During autumn, the leaves adopt vibrant colors, often transforming into shades of yellow and orange, creating a glorious seasonal display. The Tibetan cherry produces small, modest white flowers in spring. These blossoms, arranged in clusters, add a soft decorative touch to the tree and are a sweet herald of the warmer months. After the flowering period, the plant may bear small fruits, though these are generally of little ornamental value when compared to the spectacular bark and attractive foliage. Throughout the changing seasons, the Tibetan cherry offers a dynamic and captivating display, with its most exceptional feature, the unusually smooth and shiny bark, providing year-round visual interest in any garden space it graces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Tibetan Cherry, Birch Bark Cherry, Branklyn Cherry
Common names
Prunus serrula 'Branklyn'.
ToxicityTo humans
The most common common name of Prunus serrula 'Branklyn' is Tibetan Cherry. The toxicity of the Tibetan Cherry to humans is generally considered low. However, as with many members of the Prunus genus, parts of the plant particularly the seeds, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. These compounds can release cyanide in the body when metabolized. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include headache, dizziness, confusion, vomiting, convulsions, and potentially can be life-threatening, leading to respiratory failure and death. It is important to note that poisoning from ornamental plants like the Tibetan Cherry is rare, and typically only occurs if significant amounts of the toxic parts are ingested.
To pets
The Tibetan Cherry, which is the most common name for Prunus serrula 'Branklyn', can be toxic to pets if they ingest parts of the plant, particularly the seeds, leaves, and stems, which contain cyanogenic glycosides. When these compounds are metabolized in the body, they can release cyanide. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include salivation, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, and shock. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to respiratory failure and death. It is advisable for pet owners to prevent pets from chewing on or eating any part of these plants to avoid the risk of cyanide poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
20-30 feet (6-9 meters)
Spread
15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Prunus serrula 'Branklyn', commonly known as the Tibetan cherry, is highly valued for its decorative, glossy, mahogany-brown bark that peels away in bands, creating a striking visual effect in the landscape.
- Seasonal Interest: The plant offers year-round interest with white flowers in spring, lush green foliage in summer, and bright foliage colors in autumn, adding seasonal dynamics to gardens.
- Wildlife Attraction: The spring flowers provide nectar for pollinators such as bees, while the small fruit can attract birds, supporting local biodiversity.
- Shade Provision: As a tree, it can provide shade in gardens and public spaces, making it practical for landscape design while also contributing to the aesthetic appeal.
- Cultural Significance: Its unique appearance and the origin of the species may hold cultural and educational significance, offering a conversational piece or an educational opportunity regarding different species of trees from around the world.
- Durability: The Tibetan cherry is known for its hardiness and can thrive in a variety of soil types, given the appropriate care, demonstrating adaptability and resilience in different garden settings.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The highly decorative bark of the Tibetan Cherry can be used in the craft industry, for instance, in the creation of veneers for small boxes or ornamental objects, due to its glossy and richly textured surface.
- With its unique, shiny bark, the Tibetan Cherry can be incorporated into garden design as a natural sculpture or focal point without needing any additional artistry.
- Thin slices of the bark can be utilized as a natural material for making jewelry, such as pendants or earrings, highlighting the intricate patterns of the bark.
- The wood of the Tibetan Cherry can be used in the manufacture of musical instruments, particularly smaller ones like flutes or decorative parts of stringed instruments, due to its fine grain.
- In woodworking, the fine grain of Tibetan Cherry wood could be exploited for making high-quality, handcrafted picture frames to complement the art they enclose.
- The branches can be harvested and used as natural stakes for supporting garden plants or as rustic elements in creative landscaping designs.
- Bark and twigs can be employed in floral arrangements or as part of wreath compositions to add texture and interest, often appreciated in ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging.
- When pruning, the pruned branches can serve as a source of wood for smoking meats, imparting a unique and subtly sweet flavor to the smoked products.
- The wood, being hard and dense, could be used for turning on a lathe to create small wooden crafts like knobs, handles, or even chess pieces.
- Education and horticultural training could utilize the Tibetan Cherry's distinctive features, such as its peeling bark, to teach about plant identification and botanical characteristics.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Tibetan Cherry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Tibetan Cherry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal - The Prunus serrula 'Branklyn', commonly known as the Tibetan Cherry, is known for its beautiful blossoms that signify the arrival of spring and symbolize new beginnings and the renewal of life.
- Beauty and Purity - With its striking bark and delicate flowers, the Tibetan Cherry represents beauty and purity, reminding us of the serene and untouched aspects of nature.
- Transience of Life - Similar to other cherry trees, the Tibetan Cherry's blossoms are short-lived, reminding observers of the ephemeral nature of life and the importance of living in the moment.
- Love and Romance - Flowers from the cherry tree family have long been associated with love and romance due to their delicate and attractive nature, making the Tibetan Cherry a symbol of adoration.
- Education and Enlightenment - In some cultures, cherry trees are symbolic of education and the quest for knowledge. This could stem from their springtime blooming, representing the enlightenment that comes with learning.
WaterThe Tibetan Cherry, commonly referred to by its botanical name Prunus serrula 'Branklyn', requires moderate watering. It should be watered deeply to encourage root growth, usually every week during its first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, it generally needs watering every two weeks, depending on the weather and soil moisture levels. During the dry season, you may need to increase watering to once a week, with each watering consisting of about 1.5 to 2 gallons for young trees, scaling up to 3-4 gallons for mature trees. Always ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot.
LightThe Tibetan Cherry thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Place the tree in a spot where it receives at least four to six hours of direct sunlight each day. Morning sun exposure with some afternoon shade is ideal in hotter climates to prevent leaf scorch.
TemperatureTibetan Cherries are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, though they prefer a temperate climate. They can withstand winter temperatures as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit and summer heat up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth and health.
PruningThe Tibetan Cherry benefits from pruning to maintain its shape, remove any damaged or diseased branches, and encourage healthy growth. Pruning should be carried out in late winter or early spring before the tree starts to leaf out. This tree doesn't require heavy pruning, just the removal of crossing branches and thinning to allow light into the canopy. Over-pruning should be avoided to maintain a natural shape and prevent stress to the tree.
CleaningNot needed
SoilTibetan Cherry prefers well-drained, fertile loam with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. A soil mix with equal parts loam, peat, and sharp sand can support healthy growth.
RepottingTibetan Cherry, being a larger tree, is typically not repotted once it's planted in the ground. However, younger trees should be repotted every 2-3 years until they are established.
Humidity & MistingTibetan Cherry does well in standard outdoor humidity levels and does not require specific humidity adjustments when planted outside.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoor growth due to its size.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Prunus serrula 'Branklyn', also known as the Tibetan Cherry, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in the soil to produce a small seedling. The seedling grows through the juvenile phase, establishing its root system and developing stems and leaves. As it matures into an adult tree, it undergoes a vegetative stage where it focuses on growth in height and girth, and its distinctive glossy, mahogany-brown bark becomes more pronounced. The tree then enters the reproductive phase, flowering in the spring with clusters of small, white flowers that attract pollinators. Following pollination, it produces small stone fruits, which contain seeds that, when dispersed, have the potential to grow into new plants. The Tibetan Cherry has a perennial life cycle, with mature trees capable of living for many years, flowering annually, and continuously contributing to the population through seed production.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Prunus serrula 'Branklyn', commonly known as the Tibetan Cherry, is usually propagated by grafting, which is considered the most popular method for this ornamental tree. The best time for grafting is late winter or early spring before the start of new growth. A piece of stem, known as a scion, from a desirable parent tree is attached to a rootstock, which is typically a seedling or a young tree of a related species with a vigorous root system. The scion and rootstock are cut at matching angles and fitted together, bound with grafting tape, and often covered with a sealant to promote healing and prevent disease. The grafted plant is then grown in a protected environment until the graft union is strong, after which it can be planted out in its permanent location.
