PlantFun
Plant Needs
Characteristics
- Leaf: Oval to lanceolate, glossy dark green above, paler below, with finely serrated margins
- Flower: Drooping racemes of small, fragrant white five-petaled blooms
- Fruit: Small dark purple to black drupes; flesh is edible when ripe, but seeds are toxic
- Bark: Mature bark is dark gray to black with rough, scaly ridges; young bark has horizontal lenticels
Care Guide
Water deeply every 7–10 days during active growth to support foliage and flower development
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer once in early spring to support new growth. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote fruiting and healthy wood development
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush dried eggshells into a fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons around the base of the tree and water in lightly to release nutrients gradually- Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches during late winter dormancy to improve air circulation
- Thin crowded branches to allow sunlight to reach inner foliage and promote fruiting
- Trim suckers growing from the base of the tree to maintain a single main trunk structure
- Avoid heavy pruning during active growth, as this can stress the tree and reduce fruiting
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic due to cyanogenic glycosides in leaves, stems, and seeds; ingestion can cause serious health issues
Humans: Ripe fruit flesh is safe for human consumption; seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause mild to moderate illness if ingested in large quantities
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Used in traditional Native American medicine to treat coughs and respiratory issues; wood is valued for furniture and cabinetry
Usage: Ornamental shade tree, edible ripe fruit (with toxic seeds removed), timber production
