Title

Mongolian Cherry

(F2140, June 2024)
File
Publication File:
Lead Author
Lead Author:
Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester
Availability
Availability:
Web only
Publication Sections

Table of Contents

General 
Scientific Name: Prunus fruticosa 
Family: Rosaceae (Rose) 
Hardiness: Zone 2 
Leaves: Deciduous 
Plant Type: Shrub 

Growth 
Rate: Slow 
Mature Height: 4-7’ 
Longevity: Short 
Power Line: Yes

Ornamental 
Flowers: White 
Fruit: Dark red tart stone fruit 
Fall Color: Yellow to rose

Description

A medium-sized suckering shrub with attractive glossy foliage and dark red fruit. Mongolian cherry fruits are tart and excellent for pie and jelly. Fruits are also relished by songbirds and this plant provides wildlife nesting habitat. Mongolian cherry is browsed by rabbits, mice, and deer, which can cause serious injury if control measures are not taken.

Preferences

Light: Full sun. 
Water: Medium to wet. 
Soil: Prefers loamy.

Comments

Mongolian cherry has few pest problems as extracts from various Prunus species are toxic to insect pests. Often used in farmstead windbreaks and highway beautification projects because of the attractive foliage and blooms. 

The cultivated variety ‘Scarlet’ Mongolian cherry was developed by the USDA-NRCS Plant Materials Center in Bismarck as a seed strain cultivar.

Mongolian Cherry
Photo Credit:
Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester
Mongolian Cherry
Mongolian Cherry
Photo Credit:
Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester
Mongolian Cherry
Mongolian Cherry
Photo Credit:
Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester
Mongolian Cherry