Tibetan Cherry Prunus serrula
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as the Tibetan cherry is appreciated for its distinctive and highly ornamental bark. It boasts a rich, shiny, chestnut-brown bark that peels away in strips, creating a captivating texture on the trunk and branches. This unique characteristic makes the plant especially attractive in the winter landscape when its leaves have fallen, allowing the full glory of its smooth, polished-looking bark to be on display. During the spring, the Tibetan cherry produces small, white flowers that add a soft, delicate touch to the plant's appearance. These blossoms are arranged in modest clusters, contrasting prettily with the emerging new leaves. As the seasons change, the foliage of the Tibetan cherry transforms, presenting leaves that are narrow and elongated, with finely serrated edges. Their color is a lively green, which turns to yellow or orange in the autumn, creating a warm, seasonal palette before leaf drop reveals the stunning bark once again.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Tibetan Cherry, Birch Bark Cherry, Paperbark Cherry.
Common names
Prunus serrula var. tibetica, Cerasus serrula, Padellus serrulatus.
ToxicityTo humans
Prunus serrula, commonly known as the Tibetan cherry, is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, as with many plants in the Prunus genus, its seeds or pits do contain compounds that can be converted into cyanide when ingested. If someone were to consume a large quantity of these seeds or pits, they could experience symptoms of cyanide poisoning, which include headache, dizziness, confusion, difficulty breathing, and potentially leading to convulsions, loss of consciousness, and even death in severe cases.
To pets
Prunus serrula, commonly known as the Tibetan cherry, is also not widely recognized as toxic to pets. Similarly to the toxicity in humans, the primary concern is the seeds or pits, which contain cyanogenic glycosides that can release cyanide when digested. If a pet consumes a large amount of the pits, they might show signs of cyanide poisoning, characterized by symptoms such as salivation, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and shock, which could be fatal if not treated promptly.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
20-30 feet (6-9 meters)
Spread
15-25 feet (4.5-7.6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Prunus serrula, commonly known as Tibetan cherry, is highly valued for its ornate, glossy, mahogany-red bark that peels away in strips, providing year-round visual interest.
- Shade Providing: As a medium-sized deciduous tree, it can offer pleasant shade in gardens and parks during the spring and summer months.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The tree can provide food and shelter for birds and other wildlife. Its spring flowers are a source of nectar for bees and other pollinators.
- Seasonal Interest: In addition to its attractive bark, the Tibetan cherry produces white flowers in the spring and small, inedible fruits that can add to the seasonal interest of a landscape.
- Low Maintenance: This species of cherry tree is known for being relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and care once established.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Prunus serrula has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for drier climates or water-wise gardens.
- Erosion Control: The tree’s root system can help stabilize the soil and control erosion, particularly on slopes or in areas prone to losing topsoil.
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 wood of the Tibetan cherry is appreciated for its fine grain and is used in the making of furniture and decorative objects, making use of its rich mahogany-like color and sheen.
- Photography: The tree, particularly its shiny, copper-red bark, is often used in photography for its aesthetic appeal and to create a focal point in garden and landscape imagery.
- Instrument Making: Tibetan cherry wood can be used in the crafting of musical instruments for its acoustic properties and visual attractiveness.
- Bonsai Art: Gardeners may use the Prunus serrula for bonsai creation due to its interesting bark and the beauty of its small, white flowers in spring.
- Floral Arrangements: The branches, especially when in bloom with their small white flowers, can be cut and used in floral displays for their natural elegance.
- Wildlife Garden: Planting a Tibetan cherry can attract and support local wildlife such as birds and beneficial insects, owing to its spring flowers and potential fruit.
- Culinary Decoration: While not a common practice, the cherry-like fruits can occasionally be used as a decorative element in culinary dishes, despite their poor taste.
- Education: The Tibetan cherry can be employed as a teaching tool in dendrology and horticulture, helping students to identify unique tree bark characteristics.
- Screening: Due to its dense foliage, it can be planted in rows to create visual screens in gardens and landscapes to block undesirable views.
- Festival Decor: With its striking appearance, branches from the Tibetan cherry can be used to decorate during festivals or ceremonies, particularly in East Asian cultures where the cherry tree holds cultural significance.
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: As a member of the cherry tree family, Prunus serrula often represents renewal and new beginnings, which is symbolized by the seasonal blossoming of its flowers.
- Beauty: This plant, commonly known as the Tibetan cherry, is renowned for its attractive, glossy, and polished bark, making it a symbol of beauty and uniqueness in the plant world.
- Impermanence: Similar to other members of the Prunus genus, the Tibetan cherry's bloom cycle is brief, which can symbolize the transient nature of life and the fleeting beauty of moments.
- Purity: White flowers are often associated with purity, and though the Tibetan cherry's flowers are not its most prominent feature, they still carry this symbolic meaning.
- Endurance: The Tibetan cherry is noted for its hardy nature and ability to withstand tough conditions, making it a symbol of endurance and resilience.
WaterThe common name for Prunus serrula is Tibetan Cherry. To water this plant effectively, ensure that the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged, especially during its growing season in spring and summer. Typically, Tibetan Cherry trees require about 1.5 to 2.5 gallons of water per week, depending on weather conditions. In periods of drought or extreme heat, you may need to increase the frequency to twice a week. However, during the dormant winter months, you can reduce watering since the tree's water requirement decreases. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
LightTibetan Cherry thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, the tree should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Planting the tree in a spot that gets morning sun and some afternoon shade can help protect it from the intense heat of the day, which might be particularly beneficial in hotter climates.
TemperatureTibetan Cherry trees are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, typically from around -20°F to 85°F. Even though they can withstand cold temperatures, blossoms and new growth might be damaged by late spring frosts. Ideal growing conditions for Tibetan Cherry range between 65°F and 75°F, which promotes healthy growth and flowering.
PruningPruning Tibetan Cherry is important to maintain its shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and promote the overall health of the tree. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before the tree begins its active growth. Prune sparingly as heavy pruning can reduce the flowering potential. Thin out crowded branches and remove any suckers that emerge at the base of the tree to encourage a strong, attractive structure.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Tibetan Cherry prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, with a pH range between slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0). Mix garden loam, peat, and sand in equal parts to achieve a suitable soil structure for optimal growth.
RepottingThe Tibetan Cherry, being a tree, does not require frequent repotting. It is generally planted directly into the ground and may require transplanting only if it outgrows its space or needs to be moved.
Humidity & MistingThe Tibetan Cherry can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels but thrives best in moderate to high humidity, similar to what is commonly found in temperate outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoor growth due to size.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, protect from strong winds, water deeply.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Tibetan Cherry, or Prunus serrula, begins its life cycle as a seed that undergoes a period of dormancy before germination in the spring. Upon germination, it develops into a seedling with the emergence of the first true leaves and root system, indicating the start of the vegetative stage. As the plant matures, it enters the sapling stage, where significant growth occurs, eventually reaching its adult form with a distinctive, glossy, mahogany-brown bark that peels in bands from the trunk. The adult plant produces blossom flowers in the spring, which are typically white and attract pollinators; these flowers lead to the development of small fruits (drupes), containing the seeds that will disseminate for the next generation. After several years, the tree reaches full maturity and can produce flowers and fruit annually for many years as part of its reproductive stage. The life span of the Tibetan Cherry can extend several decades, after which it will eventually decline and die, completing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
For the Tibetan Cherry (Prunus serrula), a popular and effective method of propagation is by grafting, particularly during the late winter or early spring. Grafting involves taking a scion, which is a short piece of stem from a mature Tibetan Cherry with healthy buds, and physically joining it to a rootstock from another cherry tree species. The scion is typically 6 to 8 inches (approximately 15 to 20 centimeters) in length, and the cut surfaces are carefully matched to create a union. The graft is sealed with grafting tape or wax to prevent dehydration and infection, and once the scion has successfully fused with the rootstock and begun to grow, it can be transplanted to a permanent location. This method allows the gardener to replicate the exact characteristics of the parent tree, including its attractive bark and foliage.
