Height: 60' to 80' Spread: 30' to 60' Light Needs: sun to part shade Water: average Flower color: White Bloom time: Spring
This is a fast-growing deciduous tree. It has a distinctive reddish, flaking bark and glossy foliage. Short spikes of white flowers appear in large numbers in early spring. They are followed by small, dark red fruits. Bees and other insects pollinate the flowers. The berries are important food for several species of birds and other small animals. Dr. Tallamy ranks Prunus species as very high (second after the oaks) for their wildlife value. It is a host for over 400 butterflies and moths including the coral hairstreak, spring azure, eastern tiger swallowtail, red-spotted purple, viceroy and several large moths. It has resistance to deer damage but young plants may benefit from protection.
