| Cultivar Name: |
Tomentosa
|
| Type |
Cherry |
| Synonyms |
'Nanking Cherry', 'Nanking Cherry Bush', 'Manchu Cherry', 'Chinese Bush Fruit', 'Bush Cherry', 'Hedge Cherry'
|
| Patent |
Not Patented
|
| Parentage |
unspecified seedling
|
| Species |
Prunus tomentosa
|
| Usage |
Scion
|
| Products |
Culinary
Fresh Market
Preserves
|
| Taste |
Tart/Sour
|
| Yield |
High
|
| Ripening time |
0
weeks relative to
Bing
|
| Self Compatible |
No - Not Self Compatible
|
| Description |
History and Background: Nanking Cherry is native to central/temperate eastern Asia; adapted to cold, semi-arid regions; and the most common fruit plant in gardens in the Russian Far East. It was introduced to North America in 1882. Pomologists in that era spoke highly of this plant’s potential. It was featured in the Yearbook of Agriculture 1937 as a plant with unusual opportunities in plant breeding by acclaimed breeder Dr. George Darrow. Like many uncommon fruit, the genetic potential has remained untapped, probably because it did not fit requirements in a globalized marketing system reliant on long supply chains. “Nanking Cherry fruits are poor commercial fruits because they are too soft for shipping and have a short shelf life,” said Lee Reich in Uncommon Fruits for Every Garden. Fortunately there has been some breeding. Russian breeders have made selections and developed hybrids with other Prunus species. The largest commercial plantations are in Russia.
Prunus tomentosa, Nanking cherry, is widely grown in the prairie provinces. Nanking cherry as
well as eastern and western sandcherries are listed with the plums because they are more
closely related botanically to the plums than to true cherries. Nanking cherry plants have
serrated leaves which are more fuzzy than other species in this group and light pink
flowers. They have ornamental value when planted as specimens or when planted closely
and trimmed to form a hedge. The fruit is round, bright red, between 15 and 20 mm in
diameter, low in acid, mild flavoured and good eaten fresh; somewhat tart and tangy like that of sour cherries. Hold well on plant 2-3 weeks after ripening. The fruit is held tightly on
short stems and is hidden under leaves where there is a light to medium size crop. Used as a dwarfing rootstock for cherries. Attracts birds and othe rwildlife. Requires a minum annual precipitation of 12". Ripens from July to August depending on locaiton. Since
Prunus tomentosa is not self-fruitful, two or more genotypes are needed for crosspollination
and good fruit set.
Nanking cherries are propagated by seed. Since there were at least two collections made
from their native range in China some Nanking cherry seedlings are much hardier than
others. Seedling derived from those collected at the northern limit of the species (i.e. the
Northern Limit strain) are the hardiest.
Danger: Seed is poisonous if ingested
A winter hardy, moderately fast-growing, short-lived
shrub native to China, Japan, and the Himalayas. A broad
spreading, densely twiggy shrub, becoming more open
and picturesque with age. Foliage: The dark green leaves are very fuzzy on their lower surface.
Flowers and Fruits:
Flower Type - Small but numerous.
Flower Color - Pink in bud, becoming near white.
Fruit Type - Cherry-shaped drupe.
Fruit Color - Dark red. Uses: Medium shrub for farmstead windbreaks (Windbreak Suitability Group - 1, 3, 4, 4C, 5). This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Cultivated Cultivars:
White Nanking Cherry (Prunus tomentosa ‘Leucocarpa’) -
White fruits. Hardiness: USDA Zone 2. |
| References |
- Fruit, Berry and Nut Inventory. Third Edition. 2001. Seed Savers Exchange, Inc.
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