The shrub reaches 1.5 m by 1.5 m. Its flowers are hermaphrodite and are pollinated by insects. The plant blossoms in May.^[1] Its fruit reaches about 14 mm and has an agreeably sweet flavor, therefore it is used in making pies, but its taste is quite sour, reminiscent of that of sour cherry.^{[citation needed]}

Each fruit has one seed. The plant usually grows from seed but can also be propagated through cutting or layering.^{[citation needed]}

The plant thrives on well-drained and moist loamy soil and prefers little shade or no shade at all. The plant prefers some lime in the soil but not too much. It is mostly found at woodlands or sunny places.^[2]

The leaves of this plant procure a green dye, while the fruit procures a greenish to grayish dye.

There are several varieties:^{[citation needed]}

• P. japonica eujaponica
• P. japonica gracillima
• P. kerii
• P. japonica nakaii, originated from Manchuria, which gives bigger plums (up to 50 mm in diameter).

• Cherry Blossom

• "Prunus japonica". Plants for a Future.
• "Prunus consociiflora". Plants for a Future.