Appearance

Growth form

It is a dense, many-stemmed deciduous shrub, usually 6–10 ft (1.8–3 m) tall and 6–15 ft (1.8–4.6 m) wide.

Leaves

The toothed, slightly wrinkled leaves are 2–3 in (5–8 cm) long. Fine hairs occur on both sides and form a thick down beneath.

Flowers

White to pale pink, five-petaled flowers appear singly or in pairs in spring.

Fruit

In North Carolina, small red fruits ripen in June and July and range from tart to sweet.

Look-alikes

apricotPrunus armeniaca

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) is a much larger tree with smooth leaves and fruit that turns yellow to orange. Nanking cherry stays shrubby and has small red fruit and noticeably hairy leaves.

Why they get mixed up · Both have pale five-petaled flowers before the leaves and stone fruits later.

Where it lives

Typical habitats

• home gardens
• hedges and windbreaks

Range

It is native to temperate Asia and has been introduced in the northeastern United States.

Preferred conditions

It grows best in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is hardy in USDA Zones 2a–7b but performs poorly in the hot, humid South.

Growing it

Propagation

Plants can be started from seed or stem cuttings.

Connected species

Ties with other wildlife

Songbirds eat the fruit.

Conservation

IUCN Red List

NENot Evaluated·Not yet assessed

Culture and stories

Culture and stories

• The fruit is used in jams, jellies, pies, and tarts.