| Prunus caroliniana is a large evergreen shrub,
or small pyramidal tree, reaching 30 feet in height. It has a dense growth habit and is often pruned into hedge form. The leaves are evergreen, lustrous and dark, held on brown stems, which exude the scent of maraschino cherries when broken. Vigorous grower, keeps its lustre
through the season although it may discolor in harsh winter sun and wind. The new growth is bronze or yellow-green.
The flowers are small, white and highly fragrant with 5 petals. They appear in early to mid spring
in a raceme emerging from the leaf axils. The fruit appears late in fall, a dark black drupe persisting on the shrub into winter, birds love them and tend to spread their seeds. Because of its habit of rapid growth it is best to keep it away from houses and
edges of buildings. |
