Prunus alleghaniensis Porter var. davisii (W. Wight) Sarg.
Prunus alleghaniensis Porter var. davisii (W. Wight) Sarg. is a small, deciduous tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. It is also known as the Davis' plum or Allegheny plum and is native to southeastern Canada and eastern United States.
Appearance
The Davis' plum tree typically grows up to 8-12 meters in height and has a rounded crown. The bark is grayish-brown in color, smooth when young, and later develops shallow fissures. The leaves are alternate, elliptic, 8-12 cm long, and serrated along the margin. They have a dark green color above and paler below, turning yellow in autumn.
The Davis' plum tree produces clusters of small, white flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge. The fruit is a small, round, red or yellow drupe, about 1.5 cm in diameter, and edible. It ripens in early summer and has a sweet and tangy flavor. The fruit is also used to make jams and jellies.
Uses
The Davis' plum tree is widely grown as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks due to its attractive flowers and fruit. It is also used for erosion control and as a hedge or screen. The fruit is a valuable food source for wildlife, including birds and mammals such as foxes and raccoons.
In traditional medicine, the bark and leaves of the Davis' plum tree are used to treat respiratory and digestive ailments. The bark and seeds contain amygdalin, which can be poisonous in large quantities.
Conclusion
Prunus alleghaniensis Porter var. davisii (W. Wight) Sarg. is an attractive and useful tree that provides ornamental value in landscapes and food for wildlife. Its medicinal properties should be used with caution due to the presence of potentially toxic compounds.
Light requirements
Prunus alleghaniensis is a shade-tolerant tree species that prefers partial to full shade. In its natural habitat, it is often found growing in the understory of mixed hardwood forests where it receives filtered light.
Temperature requirements
The plant requires mild to cool temperatures and can tolerate extreme low temperatures. It can be found growing in Appalachian and Allegheny mountains with its distribution stretching from northern Georgia to Maine in the United States. The optimal temperature range for its growth is between 20 °C to 30 °C.
Soil requirements
The tree thrives in acidic soils with a pH range of 4.5-6.0. It prefers well-drained soils with high organic matter content. Since it is a native tree in the Appalachian region, its growth is typically favored in the presence of nutrient-rich forest soils with plenty of leaf litter and woody debris.
Cultivation Methods:
Prunus alleghaniensis Porter var. davisii (W. Wight) Sarg., commonly known as Davis Mountain Cherry, is a deciduous fruiting tree that thrives in warm temperate climates. It grows best in moist and well-drained soil with slightly acidic pH levels ranging from 5.0 to 6.5. Davis Mountain Cherry requires a lot of sunlight and can tolerate partial shade.
The tree can grow up to 30 feet tall and wide, so it needs enough space to grow properly. It is essential to plant the tree in an open area where it can receive abundant sunlight and good air circulation. Shading from nearby trees should be avoided as it can stunt the growth of Davis Mountain Cherry.
Watering Needs:
Davis Mountain Cherry requires regular watering, especially during the first two years of growth. During dry spells, make sure to water the tree at least once a week. However, excessive watering can cause root rot, so avoid overwatering. Water the tree deeply to encourage deep root growth.
Fertilization:
Davis Mountain Cherry responds well to organic fertilizers like compost, aged manure, or fish emulsion. Apply fertilizer during the active growing season, generally in spring or early summer. Too much fertilizer can damage the tree's roots, so it's crucial to follow the recommended dosage.
Pruning:
Pruning is essential to maintain the health and growth of Davis Mountain Cherry. Prune the tree in late winter or early spring when it's dormant. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches to prevent the spread of disease. Thin out the branches to encourage air circulation and sunlight penetration. Davis Mountain Cherry bears fruit on old wood, so avoid cutting off too many branches.
Propagation of Prunus alleghaniensis Porter var. davisii
Prunus alleghaniensis Porter var. davisii, commonly known as Davis Mountain cherry, can be propagated through various methods. These methods include seed propagation, budding, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Prunus alleghaniensis Porter var. davisii. The seeds are extracted from the fruit and stratified at 4°C for three months before being planted in spring. The seeds can be sown outdoors in a nursery bed or indoors in containers. However, it is important to note that seed-grown plants may exhibit variation in growth habit and fruit quality.
Budding
Budding is another method of propagating Prunus alleghaniensis Porter var. davisii. This technique involves inserting a bud from the desired cultivar into a rootstock of a related species. The best time to perform budding is during the summer when bark is slipping. This method ensures that the resulting plant will maintain the desired growth habit and fruit quality.
Grafting
Grafting is also a suitable method of propagating Prunus alleghaniensis Porter var. davisii. It involves joining a shoot or bud from the desired cultivar onto a rootstock of a related species. The best time to perform grafting is during the early spring. This method ensures that the resulting plant will maintain the desired growth habit and fruit quality.
Disease Management
Prunus alleghaniensis var. davisii is susceptible to several diseases that can potentially cause significant damage to the plant, including:
- Cytospora canker: This fungal disease causes sunken cankers on branches, which eventually girdle and kill the affected area. To manage cytospora canker, it is important to prune out infected areas and make sure the plant is not stressed by environmental factors.
- Black knot: Another fungal disease, black knot causes brownish-black swellings on stems and branches. The best way to manage this disease is to prune out infected areas and destroy them immediately. It is also important to maintain good air circulation around the plant and to avoid overhead irrigation.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes circular brown spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, it is important to maintain good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead irrigation. In severe cases, fungicides may be necessary.
Pest Management
Prunus alleghaniensis var. davisii is also susceptible to several pests, including:
- Japanese beetles: These insects are a common pest of many plants, including Prunus alleghaniensis var. davisii. They feed on the leaves of the plant, causing skeletonization. The best way to manage Japanese beetles is to handpick them off the plant and drop them into a bucket of soapy water.
- Tent caterpillars: These insects build tents in the crotches of branches and feed on the leaves of the plant. To manage tent caterpillars, it is important to remove the tents by hand or with a stick and destroy them immediately.
- Aphids: These insects suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing distortion and stunting. To manage aphids, a strong jet of water can be used to dislodge them from the plant. In severe cases, insecticidal soap or a neem oil spray may be necessary.
