Prunus Tree Views

General Goods

Peach trees, Prunus persica, are originally believed to have come from China to the Mideast through the trade routes known to extend to Turkey and Iran (Persia). The peach seeds could be used to plant and grow trees throughout North Africa and Europe and finally were introduced to America in the mid 1500's. The first appearance of peaches in China may date back to 2000 BC.

(Wild Black Cherry - 02) This late spring photo of the wild black cherry tree was taken just after all of the flowers in the drooping racemes have opened. The genus name, Prunus, refers to plum and cherry trees, and the species name, serotina, means late, referring to the late blooming of the wild black cherry tree.

Scientific Name Prunus is Latin for members of the plum family; mume is the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese name for the plant. Common Name Japanese apricot is named for where the plant was first observed in cultivation and its relation to apricot. Other names include Japanese flowering apricot and Japanese flowering plum. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN AND NATIVE HABITAT Japanese apricot is native to China. Trees grow in woods and rocky hills in moist, well-drained soils. Although P. mume is from China, it was first observed in cultivation in Japan. The tree was chosen the national flower of China in the 1930s. In China, the 5 petals represent the 5 blessings: wealth, health, love of virtue, old age and natural death. Japanese apricot is a member of the Rosaceae family. The Rosaceae family includes some 200 species.

The ornamental plum (Prunus cerisifera) is one of the most popular trees due to its colorful flowers and foliage. There are many varieties but the ornamental plums with their dark foliage and cheerful flowers offer the opportunity to add color contrast into the landscape design. These trees are small-growing so they fit in most gardens and are usually not difficult to grow. Here is some information on how to grow an ornamental plum tree.