Prunus serrula aka Birchbark Cherry

Prunus serrula is a small tree in the rose family. Gardeners call it paperbark cherry, birch-bark cherry, or Tibetan cherry. Its native range runs from Qinghai through south-central China to northern Myanmar. It grows in temperate regions and loses its leaves each fall. Its crown can be oval or rounded. Growers can train it with several stems and a broad crown.

Garden heights range from about 26–39 feet [8–12 metres]. Some accounts describe trees reaching 30–33 feet [9–10 metres]. The crown can spread beyond 26 feet [8 metres]. Growth is moderate, and full size takes 20–50 years. Smooth bark shines in shades of copper, red-brown, and mahogany. Horizontal lenticels mark the trunk. Slender, hairless twigs range from red to gray-brown. Their small, pointed buds are reddish brown. The narrow, simple leaves grow alternately and have toothed edges. They turn yellow before they fall in autumn.

White flowers open in spring as new leaves appear. Chicago Botanic Garden records bloom from March to April. NC State describes flowering later in spring. Each flower has a shallow, bowl-like shape. Flowers grow alone or in small clusters of two to four. Red drupes measure about half an inch across. NC State lists the fruit as edible. It also flags the tree as harmful to cats, dogs, and horses. The evidence does not identify the harmful parts or establish human toxicity.

Plant this cherry in full sun for the stated growing needs. It also grows in partial shade. Give it fertile soil that drains well and stays moist. It accepts chalk, clay, loam, and sand. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils all suit it. Sources place it in USDA zones 5–6 and RHS class H6. Its bark gives the winter garden its main point of interest. Use it as a specimen, lawn tree, screen, or hedge. It attracts birds and supports eastern tiger swallowtail larvae.

Though listed as low-maintenance, this tree faces many possible pests. Aphids, scale, borers, caterpillars, and leaf miners may attack it. Spider mites and Japanese beetles can also cause trouble. Diseases include canker, silver leaf, blossom wilt, and leaf spot. Root rot, mildew, leaf curl, and fireblight are further risks. RHS identifies it as a high-risk host for Xylella fastidiosa. Where silver leaf causes trouble, RHS advises pruning in midsummer.