Nanking Cherry (Prunus tometosa)

Nanking Cherry is an excellent addition to any sustainable food systsem due to its adaptability, productivity, and ecological contributions. Its early fruiting provides food for, birds, and humans, while its compact size makes it suitable for hedgerows, windbreaks, or understory planting. The shrub’s drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils make it a great choice for low maintenance plantings.

Nanking Cherry grows as a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a rounded form. In early spring, it is covered with fragrant white to pale pink blossoms that attract pollinators. By mid-summer, these flowers develop into clusters of bright red cherries. The plant grows quickly in its early years, establishing a dense, bushy shape that requires minimal pruning.

Size at Maturity- Grows to 6-10 feet tall with a similar spread.

Current Size- Large 2'-3', 1 year old seedling
Small 1', 1 year old seedling

Nanking Cherry is native to East Asia, where it has been cultivated for centuries for its fruit and ornamental value. Its small, tart cherries are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, making them excellent for fresh eating, jams, jellies, and syrups. The shrub’s dense growth habit provides habitat for birds and beneficial insects, contributing to ecosystem health. In food forestry, Nanking Cherry serves as an early-fruiting shrub, offering food for humans and wildlife alike while enhancing biodiversity.