Origin
Prunus subcordata Benth. var. kelloggii J.G. Lemmon, commonly known as Kellogg's bush cherry, is a species of cherry native to California. It is found in the Sierra Nevada, Cascade Range, and Modoc Plateau regions of the state, where it grows in mountain meadows, open woods, and along streams.
Common Names
Kellogg's bush cherry is also known by several other names, including Sierra bush cherry, Sierra plum, and mountain cherry.
Uses
The fruit of Kellogg's bush cherry is edible and has been used by Native American tribes for centuries. They would eat the fruit raw or dried for later use as a snack or mix it with other berries to make pemmican. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including sore throats, coughs, and digestive issues.
Kellogg's bush cherry has also been used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a habitat plant for wildlife. The plant's dense habitat, bushy habit, and attractive flowers make it a great addition to gardens and natural areas. It is also a great source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators.
General Appearance
Kellogg's bush cherry is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to six feet tall. The plant has several stems and branches that grow from a single base. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and oval-shaped, measuring two to four inches in length. The leaves have a glossy, dark green appearance and turn yellow in the fall. The plant's flowers are white to pale pink and appear in clusters of three to six. The fruit is small, about the size of a pea, and is red to purple-black when ripe.
Growth Conditions for Prunus subcordata Benth. var. kelloggii J.G. Lemmon
Prunus subcordata Benth. var. kelloggii J.G. Lemmon, commonly known as Sierra plum or Kellogg's plum, is a small deciduous tree that is native to the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. The tree typically grows up to 10 meters (33 feet) tall and 25 centimeters (10 inches) in diameter. It is a relatively hardy plant, able to survive in a range of conditions, but there are specific growth conditions that it prefers.
Light Requirements
Sierra plum trees prefer full sun to part shade, meaning that they require at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. In shady conditions, the tree may grow more slowly and produce fewer fruit. If planting in an area with insufficient sunlight, it may be necessary to thin out surrounding trees or shrubs to allow for more light to reach the tree.
Temperature Requirements
Sierra plum trees are adapted to cold climates and can withstand temperatures as low as -18°C (0°F) when dormant in the winter. However, during the growing season in the summer, the tree prefers mild temperatures that are not too hot. Optimal temperatures for growth are between 15-27°C (59-80°F). In areas with hotter summers, it may be necessary to provide shade or extra water to prevent stress on the tree.
Soil Requirements
Sierra plum trees grow best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They are adapted to a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but the soil should be deep enough to allow for proper root growth. The optimal soil pH range is between 6.0-7.5. The tree does not tolerate soil that is excessively wet or prone to flooding, as this can lead to root rot.
Overall, Sierra plum trees are relatively adaptable to a range of growth conditions, but providing the optimal light, temperature, and soil requirements can lead to better growth and fruit production.
Cultivation Methods
Prunus subcordata Benth. var. kelloggii J.G. Lemmon, commonly known as Sierra cherry, is native to California, primarily growing in the Sierra Nevada mountains and neighboring areas. It grows best in areas with moderate rainfall and full sunlight exposure. The plant prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels, from acidic to alkaline.
Propagation of Sierra cherry can be done through seeds, cuttings, or grafting onto rootstock. Seeds should be stratified before planting to break their dormancy and encourage germination. Cuttings should be taken in the dormant season and treated with a rooting hormone before planting. Grafting onto rootstock is the most common propagation method used for commercial purposes.
Watering Needs
Prunus subcordata Benth. var. kelloggii J.G. Lemmon requires regular watering during the growing season. The plant should be watered deeply, but infrequently, to encourage deep root growth. The frequency of watering will depend on the soil type, weather conditions, and the plant's growth stage. During the dormant season, watering should be reduced to avoid waterlogging the soil and causing root rot.
Fertilization
Sierra cherry benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and fruit production. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer with equal ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied in early spring before the plant starts actively growing. The fertilizer should be incorporated into the soil around the plant's root zone and watered in thoroughly.
Pruning
Pruning of Prunus subcordata Benth. var. kelloggii J.G. Lemmon should be done in the dormant season to avoid damage to new growth. The plant should be pruned to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged wood. Crossing branches and branches that grow towards the center of the plant should also be removed. Pruning should be done in a way that maintains the plant's natural shape and encourages healthy growth.
Propagation of Prunus subcordata Benth. var. kelloggii J.G. Lemmon
Prunus subcordata Benth. var. kelloggii J.G. Lemmon, also known as the Sierra plum, is a deciduous tree native to western North America, specifically California and Oregon. The tree is commonly found in the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Range. While the tree is primarily propagated through seed propagation, grafting and cutting have also been successful methods.
Seed Propagation
The Sierra plum can be propagated from seed, which typically germinates in the spring after a period of stratification during the winter months. A grower should obtain seeds from a reputable seed source, whether it be purchased or collected from a mature tree. Once collected, they should be stratified at 1-5°C for 60-90 days to break dormancy. The seeds are sown in nutrient-rich soil with good drainage and placed in a sunny location. Extra care should be taken to protect seeds from rodents and birds. Germination occurs in spring, and once seedlings are a suitable size, they can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Grafting
Grafting involves the transplantation of a stem or bud from one tree onto the rootstock of another. This propagation method is typically used to produce identical clones of a desirable cultivar. For the Sierra plum, grafting should be done during the dormant season when the tree is not actively growing. Sierra plum can be grafted onto almond or peach rootstocks for best results. A "whip and tongue" graft is the most common grafting method used in fruit tree propagation and should be done by an experienced grower.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation involves the use of stem cuttings taken from a mature tree to produce a clone. This method is not typically used for the Sierra plum, as it tends to have low success rates. If cuttings are desired, they should be taken in early summer and treated with rooting hormone before being planted in a nutrient-rich soil. Extra care should be taken to prevent water loss, and cuttings should be placed in a humid, warm environment until rooted.
Overall, the Sierra plum can be propagated successfully through seed, grafting, and cutting methods. Growers should choose the method that best suits their needs and experience level.
Disease and Pest Management for Prunus subcordata Benth. var. kelloggii J.G. Lemmon
Prunus subcordata Benth. var. kelloggii J.G. Lemmon, commonly known as the Pacific trillium, is a flowering plant species native to western North America. Like any plant species, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause significant damage to the plant, and ultimately reduce its yield and quality.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Prunus subcordata is powdery mildew. This fungal disease presents as a white, powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can cause significant leaf drop, stunting of growth, and reduced vigor.
Another disease that can affect Prunus subcordata is fire blight. This bacterial disease can cause rapid wilting and death of the plant's shoots and flowers. The affected parts of the plant turn black and appear scorched, hence the name "fire blight."
Pest Management
Certain pests can also present problems for Prunus subcordata. One such pest is the peach tree borer, which is actually a type of moth. These pests can cause significant damage to the roots and trunk of the plant, resulting in weakened growth and potentially even death.
Spider mites are another pest that can cause damage to Prunus subcordata. They can be identified by the presence of small, yellowish-green spots on the leaves of the plant. They can cause significant defoliation and reduced plant vigor if left untreated.
Disease Management
To manage powdery mildew, it's important to keep the plant as dry as possible. This means avoiding overhead watering, especially during times of high humidity. Fungicides such as sulfur can also be used to manage powdery mildew.
To manage fire blight, it's important to prune the affected parts of the plant as soon as possible. Pruning should be done at least 8 inches below the affected area, and tools should be disinfected between cuts to prevent further spread of the disease. Copper fungicides can also be used to manage fire blight.
Pest Management
To manage peach tree borers, it's important to protect the trunk of the plant with a tree wrap or other protective barrier. This can help prevent the moths from laying their eggs at the base of the plant. Pheromone traps can also be used to capture and kill the adult moths before they can lay their eggs.
To manage spider mites, it's important to keep the plant well-watered and to prune any heavily infested leaves or stems. Insecticidal soaps or oils can also be used to manage spider mites.
By being vigilant about disease and pest management for Prunus subcordata, it's possible to ensure the health and productivity of these plants, and to enjoy their beautiful flowers year after year.
