European Dwarf Cherry

Prunus fruticosa

Native to:
Austria, Bulgaria, Czechia-Slovakia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Romania, Russia, Switzerland, Ukraine

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Rosaceae
Genus:
Prunus
Species:
Prunus fruticosa
USDA Symbol:
PRFR2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
150 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
apr,may
Bloom Colors:
white
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Butterflies:Northern Azure (Celastrina lucia), Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, bees
Fragrant:
Yes
Fall Color:
yellow

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to steppe and forest-steppe regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 90–120 days
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Seeds require cold stratification; germination can be erratic. Fresh seed germinates more reliably than dried seed.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI