Prunus sargentii, commonly known as Sargent's cherry or North Japanese hill cherry,[2] is a species of cherry native to Japan, Korea, and Sakhalin (Russia).[3]

Prunus sargentii
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Prunus
Subgenus: Prunus subg. Cerasus
Species:
P. sargentii
Binomial name
Prunus sargentii
Synonyms
  • Prunus densifolia Koehne
  • Prunus floribunda Koehne
  • Prunus sachalinensis (F.Schmidt) Miyoshi
  • Prunus serrulata var. sachalinensis (F.Schmidt) E.H.Wilson

The tree was named for Charles Sprague Sargent.[4]

Description edit

 
Tree in Rendeux (Belgium).

Prunus sargentii is a deciduous tree that grows 20–40 ft (6.1–12.2 m) tall and broad. New growth is a reddish or bronze color, changing to shiny dark green.[5] The obovate leaves with serrated margins are 3–5 inches (7.6–12.7 cm) in length and are arranged alternately. In fall, the leaves turn red, orange, or yellow.[6] It grows single pink flowers on 1-in pedicels, which result in purple-black fruit in summer.[5] The fruits are a favorite of birds, but because of their size (small, pea sized) and color, are considered inconspicuous to humans.[7]

Cultivation edit

P. sargentii is a fast-growing ornamental tree[8] requiring sun and well-drained soil. The tree can tolerate wind, but not air pollution; it is one of the hardiest cherries, and can be easily transplanted. This makes it suitable for use as a street tree.[5] The tree is moderately drought-tolerant.[6][9]

History edit

Native to Korea and Japan, the tree was introduced to America and then the United Kingdom in 1908.[citation needed]

Gallery edit

See also edit

  • For cherry blossoms and their cultural significance to the Japanese, see sakura.

References edit

  1. ^ Rivers, M.C. (2021). "Prunus sargentii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T64127603A64127606. Retrieved 12 September 2022.
  2. ^ Bailey, L.H.; Bailey, E.Z.; the staff of the Liberty Hyde Bailey Hortorium. 1976. Hortus third: A concise dictionary of plants cultivated in the United States and Canada. Macmillan, New York.
  3. ^ Common Trees of Hokkaido, pg 104
  4. ^ Royal Horticultural Society Archived 2007-10-22 at the Wayback Machine, What's On, Harlow Carr, October 2007, last access 31 May 2008.
  5. ^ a b c Evans, Erv (2000–2003). "Prunus sargentii". Plant Fact Sheets. North Carolina State University. Archived from the original on 2008-05-15. Retrieved 2008-07-04.
  6. ^ a b Brand, Mark (1997–2001). "Prunus sargentii". UConn Plant Database of Trees, Shrubs, and Vines. University of Connecticut. Archived from the original on 2008-05-12. Retrieved 2008-07-04.
  7. ^ Gilman, Edward F.; Dennis G. Watson (n.d.). "Prunus sargentii: Sargent Cherry" (PDF). Environmental Horticulture Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Retrieved 2010-10-11.
  8. ^ "Prunus sargentii". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 2008-07-07.
  9. ^ "Prunus sargentii (Sargent's Cherry)".

External links edit