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Prunus serotina
  • Rum Cherry

a perennial woody deciduous member of the Prunus genus in the family Rosaceae.

248px
Niche
  • Canopy
    Canopy
    There are no details available for this niche.
Functions
  • None
    None
    There are no functions defined for this plant. Do you know of some? Click the edit button to add them!
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • no shade
    No shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral,alkaline
    Acid to Alkaline
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 3
    Zone 3
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Prunus serotina has 0 edible uses listed
Prunus serotina has 0 material uses listed
Prunus serotina has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Toxic parts

The seeds and leaves of this species contain high quantities of 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[1][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

Notes

Fruit - raw or cooked in pies, jellies, stews etc[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. It must be fully ripe or else it will have a bitter flavour. The fruit can taste sweet or bitter[11]. The better fruits have a thin skin and a juicy flesh with a pleasant vinous flavour[12]. The fruit can also be used as a flavouring[9]. The taste is best when the plant is grown in a sunny position[13]. The fruit is about 9mm in diameter and contains one large seed[14].

Seed - raw or cooked. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes above on toxicity.

An infusion of the twigs is used as a beverage[15][16]. An extract from the bark is used commercially as a flavouring in soft drinks, sweets, syrups and baked goods[10].

Unknown part

Condiment
Drink

Fruit

Unknown use

Seed

Unknown use

Material uses

A green dye can be obtained from the leaves[17].

A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit[17].

Wood - close and straight-grained, light, strong, rather hard, highly shock resistant[18][12][9][19][20]. It bends well, works well, finishes smoothly, glues well, seasons well, shrinks moderately and is moderately free from checking and warping[21]. It weighs about 36lb per cubic foot and takes a beautiful polish[21]. It is widely used for furniture, cabinet making, the interior finish of buildings etc[18][12][9][19][20].

Unknown part

Dye
Wood

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Rum cherry was widely employed medicinally by various native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints[16]. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism.

The bark of the root, trunk and branches is antitussive, astringent, pectoral, sedative, stomachic, tonic[22][1][23][24][25]. The medicinal properties of this plant are destroyed by boiling, so the plant should only be allowed to steep in warm water[26]. The root bark and the aromatic inner bark have expectorant and mild sedative properties and a tea made from either of them has been used to ease pain in the early stages of labour[26][27]. The tea is also used in the treatment of fevers, colds, sore throats, diarrhoea etc[27][16]. The bark is harvested in the autumn and should not be stored for longer than one year since it quickly loses its medicinal properties[22][26]. Young thin bark is preferred[26]. A decoction of the inner bark has been used in the treatment of laryngitis[16]. The root bark has been used as a wash on old sores and ulcers[16]. The bark contains the glycoside prunasin, which is converted in the digestive tract to the highly toxic hydrocyanic acid[27]. Prunasin is at its highest level in the bark in the autumn[27] so the bark is harvested at this time and can be dried for later use[28]. In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being[25].

The fruit is astringent and has been used in the treatment of dysentery[26].

Unknown part

Antitussive
Astringent
Pectoral
Sedative
Stomachic
Tonic

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Canopy

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[14]. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as early in the year as possible[14]. Protect the seed from mice etc. The seed can be rather slow, sometimes taking 18 months to germinate[29]. 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][14]. Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants in spring to early summer in a frame[14].

Layering in spring.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Prunus serotina. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Requires a well-drained moisture retentive soil[30][4]. Requires a warm sunny position[4][13]. Thrives in a loamy soil, doing well on limestone[4]. Prefers some chalk in the soil but apt to become chlorotic if too much is present[30].

A fast-growing and moderately long-lived tree in the wild, producing a heavy fruit crop about once every 4 years[20]. It is cultivated for its timber in C. Europe[31]. This species produces an abundance of flowers and usually fruits well in Britain[4]. In the wild the tree begins to fruit when about 10 years old and then continues for about 100 years, fruiting well in most years[9]. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged[25].

Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[14].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Prunus serotina. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Prunus serotina.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Prunus serotina
Genus
Prunus
Family
Rosaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]
Medicinal uses
[16][22][1][23][24][25][26][27][28]
Material uses & Functions
[17][18][12][9][19][20][21]
Botanic
[4][11][14]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
3
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
well drained
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    Canopy
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    deciduous
    Herbaceous or Woody
    woody
    Life Cycle
    perennial
    Growth Rate
    vigorous
    Mature Size
    18 x 8 meters
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    Insects
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type
    hermaphrodite

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    "image:Amerikaanse vogelkers bessen Prunus serotina.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Amerikaanse vogelkers bessen Prunus serotina.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


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    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.2 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983-00-00)
    2. ? Frohne. D. and Pf?nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe ISBN 0723408394 (1984-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.24.34.44.54.64.7 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.1 Harrison. S. Wallis. M. Masefield. G. The Oxford Book of Food Plants. Oxford University Press (1975-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.1 Harris. B. C. Eat the Weeds. Pivot Health (1973-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.1 Elias. T. and Dykeman. P. A Field Guide to N. American Edible Wild Plants. Van Nostrand Reinhold ISBN 0442222009 (1982-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.1 Turner. N. J. and Szczawinski. A. Edible Wild Fruits and Nuts of Canada. National Museum of Natural Sciences (1978-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.19.29.39.49.59.6 Vines. R. A. Trees of Central Texas. University of Texas Press ISBN 0-292-78958-3 (1987-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.110.2 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.111.2 Fernald. M. L. Gray's Manual of Botany. American Book Co. (1950-00-00)
    12. ? 12.012.112.212.312.4 Sargent. C. S. Manual of the Trees of N. America. Dover Publications Inc. New York. ISBN 0-486-20278-X (1965-00-00)
    13. ? 13.013.113.2 McPherson. A. and S. Wild Food Plants of Indiana. Indiana University Press ISBN 0-253-28925-4 (1977-00-00)
    14. ? 14.014.114.214.314.414.514.614.7 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    15. ? 15.015.1 Yanovsky. E. Food Plants of the N. American Indians. Publication no. 237. U.S. Depf of Agriculture. ()
    16. ? 16.016.116.216.316.416.516.6 Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-453-9 (1998-00-00)
    17. ? 17.017.117.2 Grae. I. Nature's Colors - Dyes from Plants. MacMillan Publishing Co. New York. ISBN 0-02-544950-8 (1974-00-00)
    18. ? 18.018.118.2 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    19. ? 19.019.119.2 Hill. A. F. Economic Botany. The Maple Press (1952-00-00)
    20. ? 20.020.120.220.3 Elias. T. The Complete Trees of N. America. Field Guide and Natural History. Van Nostrand Reinhold Co. ISBN 0442238622 (1980-00-00)
    21. ? 21.021.121.2 Vines. R.A. Trees of North Texas University of Texas Press. ISBN 0292780206 (1982-00-00)
    22. ? 22.022.122.2 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
    23. ? 23.023.1 Saunders. C. F. Edible and Useful Wild Plants of the United States and Canada. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-23310-3 (1976-00-00)
    24. ? 24.024.1 Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism. ()
    25. ? 25.025.125.225.3 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    26. ? 26.026.126.226.326.426.5 Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books ISBN 0-449-90589-6 (1980-00-00)
    27. ? 27.027.127.227.327.4 Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN 0395467225 (1990-00-00)
    28. ? 28.028.1 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
    29. ? Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press ISBN 0942375009 (1987-00-00)
    30. ? 30.030.1 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    31. ? ? Flora Europaea Cambridge University Press (1964-00-00)

    "image:Amerikaanse vogelkers bessen Prunus serotina.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    Retrieved from "https://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Prunus_serotina&oldid=79797"
    Facts about "Prunus serotina"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familyRosaceae +
    Belongs to genusPrunus +
    Has common nameRum Cherry +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has edible partUnknown part +, Fruit + and Seeds +
    Has edible useSeasoning +, Drink + and Unknown use +
    Has fertility typeInsects +
    Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
    Has growth rateVigorous +
    Has hardiness zone3 +
    Has imageAmerikaanse vogelkers bessen Prunus serotina.jpg +
    Has lifecycle typePerennial +
    Has material partUnknown part +
    Has material useDye + and Wood +
    Has mature height18 +
    Has mature width8 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useAntitussive +, Astringent +, Pectoral +, Sedative +, Stomachic + and Tonic +
    Has primary imageAmerikaanse vogelkers bessen Prunus serotina.jpg +
    Has search nameprunus serotina + and x +
    Has shade toleranceNo shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
    Has soil teclayture preferenceClay +
    Has soil teloamyture preferenceLoamy +
    Has soil tesandyture preferenceSandy +
    Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
    Has sun preferenceFull sun +
    Has taxonomy namePrunus serotina +
    Has water requirementsmoderate +
    Inhabits ecosystem nicheCanopy +
    Is deciduous or evergreenDeciduous +
    Is herbaceous or woodyWoody +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +