Overview of Prunus serotina Ehrh. ssp. hirsuta (Ell.) McVaugh
Prunus serotina Ehrh. ssp. hirsuta, also known as wild black cherry or mountain black cherry, is a deciduous tree species that is native to North America. It is a subspecies of Prunus serotina, a tree species that belongs to the family Rosaceae.
General Appearance of Prunus serotina Ehrh. ssp. hirsuta
Wild black cherry trees can grow up to 80 feet tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 3 feet. The bark is reddish brown to black and can have a shiny appearance with raised lenticels. The leaves are alternate, simple, and have serrated edges. They are dark green in color and can grow up to 5 inches long. The flowers are white and arranged in clusters that can grow up to 6 inches long. The fruit is a small black drupe that is edible but has a bitter taste. The fruit is also a favorite of birds and other wildlife.
Common Uses of Prunus serotina Ehrh. ssp. hirsuta
Wild black cherry has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans. It contains a compound called cyanogenic glycoside, which has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The inner bark and leaves of the tree were used to make teas, tonics, and poultices to treat ailments such as coughs, colds, and fevers. However, caution should be exercised when using wild cherry bark as it may cause toxicity in high doses.
Wild black cherry is also used for woodworking and furniture making due to its hard, durable wood. The wood is reddish-brown in color and has a straight grain, making it suitable for carving and turning. The tree is also a popular choice for landscaping due to its ornamental value and ability to attract wildlife.
Overall, Prunus serotina Ehrh. ssp. hirsuta is a versatile tree species that has both medicinal and commercial uses.
Light Requirements
Prunus serotina Ehrh. ssp. hirsuta (Ell.) McVaugh grows best in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can inhibit growth and flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers moderate temperatures, thriving in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 60°F and 80°F. Extreme heat or cold can stress the plant and hinder growth.
Soil Requirements
Prunus serotina Ehrh. ssp. hirsuta (Ell.) McVaugh prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including loam, clay, and sand, but it thrives in moist, fertile soil. It cannot tolerate waterlogged soil as it can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Prunus serotina Ehrh. ssp. hirsuta (Ell.) McVaugh, commonly known as black cherry, prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. The primary propagation method is through seed germination, which takes a length of time and requires a period of cold stratification for optimal growth. Planting the seeds in the fall when the soil temperature drops below 50°F is the most suitable time to promote a natural cold stratification process. If the seeds are planted later than the fall, the stratification process should occur in a refrigerator for 90 to 120 days before planting.
Watering Needs
Black cherry trees are relatively drought-resistant, but regular watering is crucial for newly planted trees. The soil must be kept moist, but not waterlogged, during the first growing season to support root development. After the tree's establishment, only water it during prolonged periods of drought or when the soil is severely dry. Overwatering can cause root rot, leading to the death of the tree.
Fertilization
Black cherry trees are not heavy feeders and can grow healthily in soils with low nutrient content. Regular soil testing can determine if any particular nutrient is lacking in the soil, and fertilizer application can correct the deficiencies. Nitrogen and phosphorus are essential macronutrients for black cherry trees, and it is recommended to apply nitrogen fertilizer during the tree's active growth phase. Fertilizer application must be balanced and not overdone to prevent nutrient toxicity and root damage.
Pruning
Pruning black cherry trees is important for several reasons. Timely pruning helps maintain the tree's desired form, remove damaged or diseased branches, and promote the tree's overall health. Pruning is typically conducted during the dormant season in late fall to early winter. When pruning, make sure to use sharp and sterilized pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases. Remove any suckers that emerge below the graft union or base of the tree, as they can sap the tree's energy. Additionally, prune any dead, diseased, or damaged branches back to their point of origin, and trim back any branches that are obstructing walkways or interfering with power lines.
Propagation of Prunus serotina Ehrh. ssp. hirsuta (Ell.) McVaugh
Prunus serotina Ehrh. ssp. hirsuta (Ell.) McVaugh, commonly known as black cherry or wild cherry tree, can be propagated through several methods. The most effective propagation method is through seeds, while others include cuttings, layering, and grafting.
Propagation through Seeds
The propagation of Prunus serotina through seeds is the most common method. The seeds should be collected from fully mature and healthy trees during the autumn season. The collected seeds should be kept in cold storage until the spring season arrives. The germination of seeds requires exposure to cold for about two to three months, after which they should be sown in a seedbed. Once the seedlings have developed, they can be transplanted to their final destination or into containers.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings can be done during the growing season. Semi-ripe cuttings should be collected from the middle of summer until late autumn. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormones to stimulate root growth. They should be then inserted into the soil, in a shaded location with high humidity. After a few months, the cuttings should root and start growing, with transplantation possible to their final destination or into containers.
Propagation through Layering
Propagation through layering involves the bending of a branch towards the soil. A section of the branch should be stripped of its bark and covered with soil. The branch should be anchored in place and kept moist. Once new roots develop from the buried section of the branch, the branch can be separated from its parent tree and planted in its final destination.
Propagation through Grafting
Propagation through grafting is the process of combining a desirable cultivar, called the scion, with a rootstock that has desirable characteristics, like disease resistance or root system. This method requires careful selection of both the scion and rootstock, as well as compatibility between the two. The scion is then matched to the rootstock, and the union should be wrapped tightly and kept moist until healing takes place.
Overall, various propagation methods can be used for Prunus serotina Ehrh. ssp. hirsuta (Ell.) McVaugh depending on individual's preferences, the location, and availability of resources.
Disease and Pest Management for Prunus serotina Ehrh. ssp. hirsuta (Ell.) McVaugh
Prunus serotina Ehrh. ssp. hirsuta is a beautiful plant with delicate flowers and berries. However, it is vulnerable to several diseases and pests that can weaken the plant or even kill it. To help maintain the health and vigor of the plant, it is essential to put in place measures to manage these diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Prunus serotina Ehrh. ssp. hirsuta is black knot. It is caused by a fungus that attacks the twigs and branches, causing the formation of black and hard swellings. The swellings can girdle the affected branches, causing them to die. To manage black knot, prune the infected branches several inches below the affected area, sterilizing the pruning tools between cuts. It would also help to improve air circulation around the plant by thinning out dense growth.
Another disease that can affect Prunus serotina Ehrh. ssp. hirsuta is powdery mildew. It is a fungal disease that attacks the leaves, causing them to curl, yellow, and fall off prematurely. To manage powdery mildew, it is essential to maintain good air circulation around the plant. You can also use a fungicide to help manage the disease.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that can affect Prunus serotina Ehrh. ssp. hirsuta is the tent caterpillar. They form large silken tents on the branches and feed on the foliage, causing extensive damage to the plant. To manage tent caterpillar, you can physically remove the tents and the caterpillars within them or use insecticides to control the population.
Another pest that can affect Prunus serotina Ehrh. ssp. hirsuta is the Japanese beetle. The adults feed on the foliage, causing defoliation, while the larvae feed on the roots, affecting the overall health of the plant. To manage Japanese beetles, handpick the adults early in the morning when they are less active or use insecticides.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests is crucial to ensuring the health and vigor of Prunus serotina Ehrh. ssp. hirsuta. By following the tips highlighted above, you can keep the plant healthy and beautiful for many years to come.
