Prunus pensylvanica
Pin Cherry
a perennial woody deciduous member of the Prunus genus in the family Rosaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
Uses
Toxicity
Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The seed and leaves contain hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. This toxin is readily detected by its bitter taste. Usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm, any very bitter seed or fruit should not be eaten[2]. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Fruit - raw or cooked[9][18][2][3][16]. A thin sour flesh[19][20]. Usually too sour to be eaten raw, it is used mainly for making pies, jellies etc[6][8]. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter and contains one large seed[11]. A gum that exudes from the trunk can be used as a chewing gum[8]. Seed - raw or cooked. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes above on toxicity.
- Plant part
- Fruit
- Product or use
- Gum
- Plant part
- Seed
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
An infusion of the bark has been used in the treatment of fevers, bronchitis, coughs and colds, infections and blood poisoning[16]. A decoction of the inner bark has been used in the treatment of laryngitis[16]. A poultice of the boiled, shredded inner bark has been applied to a bleeding umbilical cord[16]. An infusion of the inner bark has been used as an eye wash for sore eyes[16]. The astringent root bark has been used as a wash on old sores and ulcers[16]. A decoction of the root has been used as a treatment for stomach pains[16]. The fruit is often used domestically in the preparation of cough mixtures[19]. Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, all members of the genus contain amygdalin and prunasin, substances which break down in water to form hydrocyanic acid (cyanide or prussic acid). In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being[15].
- Product or use
- Antitussive
- Product or use
- Astringent
- Product or use
- Febrifuge
- Product or use
- Ophthalmic
- Product or use
- Pectoral
- Product or use
- Poultice
- Product or use
- Salve
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
A green dye can be obtained from the leaves[7]. A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit[7]. The outer bark is used to ornament baskets. It is watertight and resists decay[2]. The tree has a vigorous root system and is sometimes planted to stabilise soils and contain erosion[12]. It is a good pioneer species for burnt over land. It establishes quickly, providing shelter for other woodland trees and then dying out[13]. Wood - light, soft, close grained[19]. It weighs 31lb per cubic foot[14]. Only used as a fuel[13].
- Product or use
- Basketry
- Product or use
- Dye
- Product or use
- Wood
Ecology and functions
- Ecosystem niche
- Canopy, Secondary canopy
Environment
- Range
- Northern and Eastern N. America - British Columbia to Newfoundland, south to Georgia.
- Habitat
- Rocky woods in moist rather rich soils[17][19]. Prefers wet woodlands, old tamarack bogs and interdunal swamps[6].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 2+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[11]. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as early in the year as possible[11]. The stored seed is best given 2 months warm followed by 3 months cold stratification[5]. Protect the seed from mice etc. The seed can be rather slow, sometimes taking 18 months to germinate[5]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in a greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July/August in a frame[4][11]. A very low percentage[5]. Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants in spring to early summer in a frame[11]. Layering in spring.
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Thrives in a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil, growing well on limestone[4][11]. Prefers some lime in the soil but is likely to become chlorotic if too much lime is present[1]. Requires a sunny position[4] and soon dying out if in the shade of other trees[12]. A fast growing but short-lived tree[4][10]. This species plays a vital role in the regeneration of forests in its native habitats, acting as a nurse tree until it is shaded out by other trees[10][11]. It often springs up in burnt-over areas from seed spread by birds and mammals[12]. Closely related to P. emarginata, and hybridizing with it where their ranges overlap[13]. A good bee plant[10]. The fruit is very attractive to birds[10]. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged[15]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[11].
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
Turner. N. J. and Szczawinski. A. Edible Wild Fruits and Nuts of Canada. National Museum of Natural Sciences 1978-00-00
Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976-00-00
Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00
Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987-00-00 ISBN 0942375009
McPherson. A. and S. Wild Food Plants of Indiana. Indiana University Press 1977-00-00 ISBN 0-253-28925-4
Grae. I. Nature's Colors - Dyes from Plants. MacMillan Publishing Co. New York. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0-02-544950-8
Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9
Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972-00-00 ISBN 0-486-20459-6
Riotte. L. Companion Planting for Successful Gardening. Garden Way, Vermont, USA. 1978-00-00 ISBN 0-88266-064-0
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Lauriault. J. Identification Guide to the Trees of Canada Fitzhenry and Whiteside, Ontario. 1989-00-00 ISBN 0889025649
Elias. T. The Complete Trees of N. America. Field Guide and Natural History. Van Nostrand Reinhold Co. 1980-00-00 ISBN 0442238622
Britton. N. L. Brown. A. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada Dover Publications. New York. 1970-00-00 ISBN 0-486-22642-5
Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31
Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9
Fernald. M. L. Gray's Manual of Botany. American Book Co. 1950-00-00
Harris. B. C. Eat the Weeds. Pivot Health 1973-00-00
Sargent. C. S. Manual of the Trees of N. America. Dover Publications Inc. New York. 1965-00-00 ISBN 0-486-20278-X
Harrington. H. D. Edible Native Plants of the Rocky Mountains. University of New Mexico Press 1967-00-00 ISBN 0-8623-0343-9