Prunus buergeriana

Prunus buergeriana is a deciduous tree in the rose family, Rosaceae. Its native range reaches from the Himalaya to central and southern Japan. Kew also lists Java within its native range. Other records include China, Korea, Taiwan, Bhutan, and Sikkim. It grows in temperate regions and is not native to Britain or Ireland. Wild plants grow on hillsides, mountain slopes, and in dense forests. They also occur beside trails and on sunny slopes.

The tree reaches about 30 feet [9 metres] in height. It loses its leaves for winter. Flowers appear from April to May. Each flower has both male and female organs, and insects pollinate them. The seeds ripen between August and October. The small fruit measures about 0.016 feet [0.005 metres] across. Each fruit holds one large seed, leaving little flesh around it. The supplied sources give no species-level details about bark or leaf shape.

In gardens, this tree suits woodland planting and sunny woodland edges. It grows in full sun or partial shade. A sunny site helps it bear more fruit. It prefers moist, loamy soil that holds water but drains well. It can also grow in sandy or clay soils. Mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils are suitable. Some lime suits it, but too much may cause chlorosis. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 4–8 for hardiness.

The fruit has modest food value and can be eaten raw or cooked. People sometimes preserve it in salt for use as a condiment or appetizer. The source also lists raw or cooked seeds as edible. It notes their use salted, but warns against eating bitter seeds. Its cyanide warning draws on the wider genus, not confirmed findings for this species. The leaves yield a green dye. Fruit can yield shades from dark grey to green.

Seed propagation calls for two to three months of cold stratification. Fresh seed can go into a cold frame when ripe. Stored seed should be sown early in the year. Germination can take as long as 18 months. Protect sown seed from mice. Young plants need a sheltered first winter under glass or in a cold frame. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Other methods include spring layering and softwood or half-ripe cuttings.