Sheffield's Seed Company Page

Prunus cerasifera, also known as Cherry Plum or Myrobalan Plum, is an enchanting deciduous tree known for its vibrant ornamental qualities and its capacity to attract a diverse spectrum of wildlife. A native of southeast Europe, Central Asia, the Himalayas, and Western Asia, this medium-sized tree bears exquisite, fragrant white flowers with five petals and numerous stamens that bloom in synchrony with the emergence of its leaves in Spring. The leaves themselves are green, ovate or elliptic with serrated edges.
Its fruits are captivating - small, cherry-like, and either red or yellow, proving very alluring to birds.
As robust as it is beautiful, Cherry Plum thrives in the full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It demands moist, well-drained, loamy soils for flowering but showcases adaptability to many soil conditions. Given its brittle wood structure, careful handling is recommended. With appropriate pruning, care, and selection of a good central leader, this tree can indeed live up to 60 or 80 years.
Today, Prunus cerasifera primarily exists in cultivation. It is often used as the rootstock for other Prunus species and cultivars. Cherry plum is a popular ornamental tree for garden and landscaping use, grown for its very early flowering. Its charismatic presence can transform gardens into a lively and colorful paradise.