Prunus serrulata
Common names
Japanese hill cherry
Family
Rosaceae
Flora category
Vascular – Exotic
Structural class
Trees & Shrubs - Dicotyledons
NVS code
The National Vegetation Survey (NVS) Databank is a physical archive and electronic databank containing records of over 94,000 vegetation survey plots - including data from over 19,000 permanent plots. NVS maintains a standard set of species code abbreviations that correspond to standard scientific plant names from the Ngä Tipu o Aotearoa - New Zealand Plants database.
PRUSER
Conservation status
Not applicable
Habitat
Terrestrial.
Detailed description
Deciduous tree up to about 12 m tall. Leaves thin, broadly ovate 80-130 by 45-60 mm, petiole 20-32 mm, lamina rounded at the base tapering to a point at the tip, glabrous above and below, with serrate margins. Inflorescence a cluster of 3-4 white to pink flowers on short lateral shoots. Fruit less than 15 mm diameter, globose, dark red-black, stone smooth.
Similar taxa
In the sub genus Carasus (cherries). The acuminate (tapering to a fine point, sides slightly concave) marginal teeth on the leaves and the spreading flowers distinguish this species.
Flowering
August, September, October
Flower colours
Red/Pink, White
Year naturalised
1982
Origin
China, Japan
Etymology
serrulata: Rough edged
Reason For Introduction
Ornamental
Life Cycle Comments
Perennial.
Reproduction
seed
Dispersal
Probably birds