Prunus davidiana aka Pere Davids Cherry

Prunus davidiana is a deciduous tree in the rose family. Its common names include Chinese peach and David's peach. Its native range runs from China to Korea. In China, it grows in woods, thickets, and mountain valleys. It also grows on slopes and in waste fields. These sites lie at elevations of 800–3,200 metres. Gardeners grow it mainly for its early spring flowers.

The tree has a rounded crown with upright branches. In gardens, it reaches 20–30 feet [6.1–9.14 metres] tall. Its spread can reach 30 feet [9.14 metres]. The slender leaves have pointed tips and sharp teeth. Their upper sides are dark green. Beneath, they are pale green with red veins. Each leaf measures about two to five inches long.

The flowers open before the leaves, from late winter into spring. March to April is the listed bloom period. Mild winters can bring an earlier start. Each whitish flower has five petals and spans about one inch. Round, fuzzy, yellow fruits follow, each with one large seed. The fruits measure about one inch across. Missouri Botanical Garden describes them as dry and tasteless. It treats them as unsuitable for eating in practice. Plants For A Future lists both fruit and seed as edible. It also records seed use as a flavouring in China. However, the seeds contain compounds that can release poisonous cyanide. This is not a fruit tree to choose for eating.

Give the tree full sun for the best flower display. It also grows in light shade. Afternoon shade can help its leaves in hot southern summers. Choose well-drained, acidic loam with a steady, moderate moisture supply. Avoid heavy clay and wet soil that drains poorly. The listed hardiness range is USDA zones 4–8. Prune just after flowering when pruning is needed. Cold spells can harm the early flowers. Trees may bloom better toward the warmer end of their range.

Plant it where its spring flowers are easy to see. After bloom, it offers less visual interest. Fallen fruit can make a mess. Aphids, Japanese beetles, and peach tree borers may attack it. Disease risks include leaf curl, brown rot, and peach scab. Bacterial canker and powdery mildew can also occur. The tree serves as a disease-resistant rootstock for cultivated peaches. Its leaves and fruit also yield dyes. Traditional medicine uses the seed, but its cyanide-forming compounds pose a poisoning risk.