Prunus virginiana
Rosaceae
Small understory tree that produces root sprouts to form thickets. Showy clusters of white flowers and dark purple fruits. Susceptible to deer browse.
Summary
Climate Tolerance
NA
Wildlife Benefits
Nectar source for bees; fruit food source for birds, mammals; moth/butterfly host
Pollination Type
Pollinator
Plant Hardiness Zones
2 to 7
# Butterfly/Moths that use as host
381
Bloom Time
Spring/Summer (Apr-Jul)
Shade/Sun Tolerance
Full Sun to Part Shade: Receives 2 to 6 or more hours of direct sunlight
Maximum Height
Small (15-40 ft)
Growth Rate
Rapid: 2 ft or greater per year
Soil Type
Loam: Equal mix of clay, sand, and silt. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Soil Moisture Tolerance
Dry - Moist: Soil can be dry for periods of time and can retain little moisture for periods of time
Root - Fungal Association
Arbuscular mycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on inside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Pest & Pathogen Risks
Medium; Black knot, tent caterpillars
Urban Stress Tolerance
Low: Tree will not grow well in the urban environment
Drought Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed during periods of drought
Coefficient of Conservatism
2
Native Status
OH-Native: Species is native to Ohio
NatureServe G-rank
G5
Plant Community Type
- Beech Mixed: Absent
- Oak Mixed: Rare
- Alluvial: Occasional
- Red Maple Mixed: Absent
- Ruderal: Rare
Bloom Color
White
Form
Tree
Lifespan
Short: Less than 100 years
Soil pH
Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Wetland Indicator Status
FACU: Facultative Upland, usually occurs in non-wetlands, but may occur in wetlands
Soil Compaction Tolerance
Sensitive: Tree will become stressed from soil being compacted
Heat Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed for increased temperature due to urban heat island effects
Salt Tolerant
Tolerant: Tolerant to both aerial salt spray and salt present in soil
Native County Status
Cuyahoga
Geauga
Lake
Lorain
Medina
Portage
Summit
IUCN Red List Assessment
Least Concern
