Photo of Prunus serrula distinctive bark by Dancing Oaks Nursery

Photo by Dancing Oaks Nursery

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Prunus serrula

Also Known As

  • Birch Bark Cherry
  • Paperbark Cherry

Plant type

tree

size

  • H: 20'-25'
  • W: 15'-20'

planting zones

  • 5a-9b

More Options

Prunus serrula plant details

Prunus serrula is a broadleaf deciduous tree with green foliage. In spring white flowers emerge. Attracts birds. Grows well with sun and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Prunus serrula

Plant type: tree
Plant family: rosaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 15 FT - 20 FT - wide, 20 FT - 25 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring
Uses: distinctive bark, small tree

GROWING CONDITIONS for Prunus serrula

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The brilliant, lustrous, dark russet-red color of its bark makes this tree remarkable throughout the year, especially during the winter when it really shines; this appealing wide-spreading tree reaches 20-30' and features narrow, willow-like leaves, masses of small white flowers in spring and red cherry-like fruits that are much loved by birds; plant it in a spot where it can stand out as a specimen. S/M-GDr
Easily one of the most superb bark trees to be had with polished rings of mahogany bark that exfoliate and become sunlit amber-orange shards. The leaves are dark green and narrow, and the flowers are white, blooming March and April. 20 x 20 feet. Shippable 3qt plants are 24" - 36" tall including pot. Minimum temperature: -20 °F
Deciduous, rounded tree most noteworthy for its beautiful reddish-brown peeling bark. Bark has a shiny, polished sheen, making it even more attractive. Small white flowers in early spring emerge at the same time or are followed by green foliage. Flowers mature into small red cherry-like fruits.
If you look closely, you can see the bark which has peeled off the trunks of this tree; the peeled bark in whorls is translucent, but the trunk which is left is amazing--shining with colors of mahogony to green and smooth as silk. Although this is considered a flowering cherry, you don't notice the flowers which are small and white. The tree may get to 25'. zone 6
Of all the cherry trees there are none so outstanding for brilliant red, shiny bark. With the absence of leaves in winter, the bark becomes more visible and one will welcome the peeling colors and textures. Single, white flowers shine in the spring. Grows to 20'.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

Gardening facts about Prunus serrula plant

How to Grow Prunus serrula

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Wildlife

    • birds
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
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