Origin
Prunus serotina Ehrh. var. alabamensis (C. Mohr) Little, also known as Alabama cherry or wild black cherry, is a deciduous tree species native to the southeastern United States. It grows primarily in the states of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee, and is often found in mixed hardwood forests and along streambanks.
Common Names
Prunus serotina Ehrh. var. alabamensis is commonly known as Alabama cherry and wild black cherry by locals in its native range. It may also be referred to simply as black cherry, though this name may also be used for other species within the Prunus genus.
Uses
The wood of Prunus serotina Ehrh. var. alabamensis is highly valued for its strength, durability, and beautiful reddish-brown color. It is commonly used in furniture, flooring, and cabinetry, as well as for tool handles and other wooden implements. The tree's fruit, which is a small black cherry, is also edible and may be used in jams and jellies. However, caution should be exercised when consuming the fruit or other parts of the tree, as it contains cyanide compounds that can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.
General Appearance
Prunus serotina Ehrh. var. alabamensis is a large, spreading tree that can reach heights of up to 80 feet. Its bark is dark and scaly, and its leaves are oval-shaped and glossy, with serrated edges. The tree produces small, fragrant white flowers in the spring, followed by clusters of small, dark-colored fruit in the summer. Its wood is known for its reddish-brown color and fine grain, and is prized for its strength and durability.
Growth Conditions for Prunus serotina Ehrh. var. alabamensis
Light Requirements: Prunus serotina Ehrh. var. alabamensis thrives in partial to full sunlight. It can survive moderate shade but may not produce as much foliage or fruit in shady conditions.
Temperature: This plant grows best in USDA hardiness zones 6-9, with temperatures ranging between 50-85°F. It can tolerate mild frost, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can damage the leaves and branches.
Soil Requirements: This plant prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It does best in soils that are slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. It can withstand occasional dry spells but does not do well in soils that are constantly waterlogged.
Watering: Prunus serotina Ehrh. var. alabamensis requires moderate watering, especially during periods of drought. It prefers consistent moisture in the soil but can be prone to root rot if overwatered.
Fertilizer: This plant benefits from occasional fertilization, especially in soils that are nutrient-deficient. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is suitable.
Pruning: Prunus serotina Ehrh. var. alabamensis requires minimal pruning, primarily for shaping and removing dead or damaged branches. It is best to prune during the dormant season to avoid sap loss and minimize stress on the plant.
Cultivation of Prunus Serotina Ehrh. var. Albamensis (C. Mohr) Little
To cultivate Prunus Serotina Ehrh. var. Albamensis (C. Mohr) Little, it is important to choose a planting location that has well-draining soil and receives full sunlight for at least six hours a day. The optimal time to plant the tree is in the early spring or fall when temperatures are mild.
Before planting, prepare the hole by digging it as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Mix in compost or well-rotted manure with the native soil and gently loosen the roots of the tree before placing it in the hole.
Once planted, the tree should be watered thoroughly and mulched to conserve soil moisture and suppress weed growth. It is essential to maintain a consistent watering schedule for the first year to prevent drought stress.
Watering Needs
Prunus Serotina Ehrh. var. Albamensis (C. Mohr) Little requires adequate water to establish and grow. It needs about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on soil conditions and climate. Generally, it is best to water deeply and infrequently to facilitate deep root growth and drought tolerance. It is essential to monitor the soil moisture level during the growing season and adjust the watering frequency accordingly.
Fertilization
Fertilization should be carried out during the tree's growth phase to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 can be used. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually in the early spring before new growth begins.
Over-fertilization can cause excessive vegetative growth and reduce fruit production. Therefore, it is important to avoid applying more than the recommended amount of fertilizer.
Pruning
Pruning should be done regularly to maintain the shape and structure of the tree, improve air circulation, and increase fruit production. It is best to prune during the dormant season (late winter to early spring) before new growth appears.
The general rule of thumb is to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches first, followed by any crossing or rubbing branches. The aim is to maintain evenly distributed branches that allow for good sunlight penetration and air circulation. Avoid pruning more than 25% of the tree's canopy in one season to prevent stress and promote healthy regrowth.
Propagation of Prunus serotina var. alabamensis
Prunus serotina var. alabamensis, commonly known as the Alabama cherry, can be propagated in multiple ways. The most common method is through seeds, while vegetative propagation can also be used for certain purposes.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Prunus serotina var. alabamensis are contained within the fruit, which ripens in the fall and drops to the ground. To propagate the plant through seeds, the fruit can be collected and the seeds separated from the pulp. The seeds should then be stratified, which involves subjecting them to a period of cold and moist conditions for several weeks to break their dormancy.
Once the stratification period is over, the seeds can be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist. The seedlings will emerge within a few weeks, and can be transplanted to individual containers or directly into the ground when they are large enough to handle.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Prunus serotina var. alabamensis can be done through softwood cuttings or grafting. Softwood cuttings can be taken from the plant in the spring when new growth appears. The cuttings should be about 10cm long and have a few leaves. They can be planted in a well-draining propagation mix and kept moist until they root, which may take a few weeks to a few months.
Grafting can be done in the spring or fall, and involves the attachment of a scion (a piece of stem with buds) from the desired plant onto a rootstock from a closely related species in the Prunus genus. This method is mainly used in horticultural settings to maintain desirable traits of the parent plant.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to keep the newly propagated plants well-watered and protected from extreme temperatures and pests until they become established.
Disease Management
Prunus serotina Ehrh. var. alabamensis (C. Mohr) Little, also known as Alabama cherry, can be susceptible to various diseases. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Black Knot Fungus
Black knot fungus is a prevalent disease in cherry trees, including Alabama cherry. The disease causes black, warty growths on branches, causing them to become stunted and die. To manage the disease, prune infected parts of the tree and destroy them immediately to prevent spreading. Also, apply fungicide early in the season before bud break and after flowering to prevent new infections.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that occurs during prolonged periods of wetness on the leaves. Symptoms include circular reddish-brown spots on foliage, leading to defoliation. To control the disease, remove infected leaves and discard them. Also, avoid overhead watering, thinning branches to improve air circulation and applying copper-based fungicides.
Pest Management
Alabama cherry can suffer from various pests, including insects and mites. Below are some common pests that may affect the plant and how to manage them:
Peach Tree Borers
Peach tree borers are the primary culprit for the sudden wilting of the plant. The larvae bore into trunk and branches, causing cankers and weakening the tree. To manage the pest, scratch the affected areas of the trunk and remove any visible larvae. Also, apply insecticides at the base of the tree every two weeks during the growing season.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing discoloration and webbing on the leaves. To manage the pest, spray the plant with a strong jet of water or an insecticidal soap at the first signs of infestation. Also, provide adequate water and nutrients to prevent stress on the plant.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your Alabama cherry remains healthy and disease-free, allowing it to thrive in your garden or landscape.
