Prunus campanulata aka Formosan Cherry

Prunus campanulata is a deciduous tree in the rose family. Its names include Taiwan cherry, Formosan cherry, and bell-flowered cherry. Its native range spans Arunachal Pradesh, southern China, Vietnam, and Taiwan. It grows in hill forests, ravines, and along forest edges. These sites reach elevations of about 4,265 feet [1,300 metres]. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This cherry grows at a moderate rate. In gardens, it reaches about 23 feet [7 metres] tall and wide. Its crown can be rounded or shaped like a vase. Pink flowers provide its main garden display. Plants For A Future gives April to May for flowering. The flowers have both male and female organs. Insects pollinate them, and seeds ripen from July to August. Each fruit measures about 0.4 inches across and holds one large seed.

Grow this tree in moist soil that drains well. A loam that holds some moisture suits it well. It also accepts sandy and clay soils with good drainage. It grows in sun or partial shade. A sunny site helps it bear more fruit. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soil. Too much lime can cause chlorosis. This tree suits a specimen planting or a sunny woodland edge. It also grows in places too warm for some other flowering cherries.

Cold limits its use in British gardens. It grows outdoors in the milder parts of Britain. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 7–9. That source suggests dormant trees may withstand 14 to 5°F [−10 to −15°C]. Seed propagation needs two to three months of cold treatment. Even then, seeds may take 18 months to sprout. Cuttings and spring layering offer other ways to raise plants. Young seedlings need shelter through their first winter before planting out.

Plants For A Future lists the fruit as edible after removing its astringency. It describes raw or cooked uses for both fruit and seed. However, its safety notes draw on the wider genus, not this species. They do not establish species-specific safety for eating the seeds. The source warns against eating very bitter seeds or fruit. Its medicinal discussion also lacks evidence specific to this cherry. Leaves yield a green dye. Fruit yields shades from dark grey to green. These uses add to its role as an ornamental tree.