Prunus subhirtella
Higan Cherry
Mature Size, Growth, Longevity
Fast growth rate. 30-50 years longevity.
Native Range
Native to Japan, introduced 1894.
Flower and Fruit Details
Oval-rounded fruits, 0.33" diameter, red maturing to black, attracts birds.
Leaf and Bark Features
Alternately arranged, simple leaves, ovate to oblong-ovate, sharply serrated, 1.5-4" long, dark green. Yellow to bronze fall color. Bark has showy horizontal lenticels.
Culture and Care
Prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil in full sun to part shade, but is soil adaptable. Easily transplanted from bare root, BNB, or container. Can be rooted from firm wood cuttings in June and July. Cold, heat and stress tolerant. Zones (4)5-8. Numerous insect and disease problems.
Suggested Uses
Use as a patio plant, a specimen tree in small yards, for bonsai, or in a buffer strip.
Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA
The following taxa are (or were) represented in the collections at Boone County Arboretum. Additional taxa may be available in the trade that are not included here.
Prunus subhirtella 'Autumnalis' // Autumn Flowering Higan Cherry
Tree. Grows to 20-35' tall and wide, rounded shape with multiple forked trunks, with erect branches holding slender whip-like twigs. Deep pink flower buds, open to semi-double, 10-petal flowers, light pink fading to almost white, 0.75" diameter, very showy. During a warm fall, buds will open sporadically, and then fully flower the following spring around late March to early April.
BT003820b - BT003830 - BT005080Prunus subhirtella 'Pendula Plena Rosea' // Double Pink Weeping Higan Cherry
Tree. Grows to 25' tall and wide, occasionally larger, gracefully weeping. Short-lived, to about 20 years. Usually grafted to an understock trunk, at about 6' high, but comes somewhat true from seed. Single pink flowers, 0.5" diameter, in March-April before the leaves, borne in 2-5 flowered umbels. Often used as a specimen ornamental; its lovely weeping shape makes it an excellent garden tree.
BT003730 - BT003740