PlantFun
Plant Needs
Characteristics
- Leaf: Oval to lanceolate with serrated margins, glossy green foliage turning pale yellow in autumn
- Flower: Dense clusters of small, fragrant white five-petaled blooms
- Fruit: Small round black drupe with bitter flesh; rarely consumed by humans
- Bark: Smooth gray-brown when young, developing shallow fissures with maturity
Care Guide
Maintain consistent soil moisture during active growth; water deeply every 5–7 days
Apply diluted balanced liquid fertilizer once monthly. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowering rather than excessive foliage growth
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush dried, rinsed eggshells into a fine powder; sprinkle 1 tablespoon around the base of the tree every 3 months, avoiding direct contact with the trunk to prevent pest attraction- Prune dead, diseased, or crossing branches in late winter before new growth emerges
- Thin crowded inner branches to improve airflow and light penetration through the canopy
- Shape the tree lightly immediately after flowering to maintain a rounded form
- Remove suckers growing from the base to prevent energy loss and maintain a tidy appearance
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; contains cyanogenic glycosides that cause vomiting, difficulty breathing, and tremors if ingested
Humans: Ingestion of leaves, stems, or pits releases cyanogenic glycosides; small amounts cause mild irritation, large doses may lead to cyanide poisoning
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Used in traditional Mediterranean medicine for mild sedative and antispasmodic properties; wood is valued for carving due to its fine grain
Usage: Ornamental garden tree; commonly used as rootstock for sweet cherry cultivars to improve disease resistance
