Prunus sargentii, commonly known as Sargent's cherry or North Japanese hill cherry,[2] is a species of cherry native to Japan, Korea, and Sakhalin (Russia).[3]
Prunus sargentii | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Rosales |
Family: | Rosaceae |
Genus: | Prunus |
Subgenus: | Prunus subg. Cerasus |
Species: | P. sargentii
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Binomial name | |
Prunus sargentii | |
Synonyms | |
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The tree was named for Charles Sprague Sargent.[4]
Prunus sargentii is a deciduous tree that grows 20–40 ft (6.1–12.2 m) tall and broad. New growth is a reddish or bronze color, changing to shiny dark green.[5] The obovate leaves with serrated margins are 3–5 inches (7.6–12.7 cm) in length and are arranged alternately. In fall, the leaves turn red, orange, or yellow.[6] It grows single pink flowers on 1-in pedicels, which result in purple-black fruit in summer.[5] The fruits are a favorite of birds, but because of their size (small, pea sized) and color, are considered inconspicuous to humans.[7]
P. sargentii is a fast-growing ornamental tree[8] requiring sun and well-drained soil. The tree can tolerate wind, but not air pollution; it is one of the hardiest cherries, and can be easily transplanted. This makes it suitable for use as a street tree.[5] The tree is moderately drought-tolerant.[6][9]
Native to Korea and Japan, the tree was introduced to America and then the United Kingdom in 1908.[citation needed]