Fuji Cherry
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

This is a large, rounded to spreading shrub or low-branched tree, 15-20' tall, or occasionally to 30'. Slow growth rate. Most cherries live 20-60 years, which is a relatively short life-span in the landscape.

Native Range

Abundantly grows on the slopes of Mt. Fuji in Japan. Cultivated since 1910.

Flower and Fruit Details

Flowers 0.75-1", white to pale pink, opening very early, before the leaves, in March. Flowers have jagged or notched petals. Flowers are delicate, with a red calyx beneath the petals. Produces an abundance of showy flowers very early in the season. The fruits are oval, 0.25-0.33", purplish-black drupes.

Leaf and Bark Features

Deciduous: Simple leaves are deeply incised, alternate, 1-2.5" long by 0.66-1.25" wide, ovate, acuminate, double-toothed, pubescent above and below on veins. Leaves have a pubescent, 0.33" petiole w/ 2 purple glands near the blade. New leaves reddish as they emerge. The green leaves of summer change to yellow, bronze and red fall foliage color. Bark has horizontal lenticels.

Culture and Care

Zone 5-6. Needs full sun to part shade. Do not prune until after flowering. Finish pruning before July 1. Black knot fungus and leaf spot fungi may be a problem, along with peach tree borers in the trunk.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

Extremely showy flowers. 3-season interest: Spring, Summer & Fall. Short lifespan due to disease and insect problems. This is one of the parent species of the 'Okame' Cherry and the Autumn-flowering Cherry.

Suggested Uses

Could be used in a hedge, or as a bonsai plant or accent plant in small space gardens and landscapes.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA