Black Cherry vs Pembina Plum - TreeTime.ca

Black Cherry vs Pembina Plum

Prunus serotina

Prunus nigra x salicina Pembina

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Black Cherry
Pembina Plum

Black Cherry is common in eastern North America but a rare find elsewhere. This tree is shade tolerant and is often found in old fields, forest openings, and along fencerows.

The fruit is edible and is commonly used to flavor rum and brandy. It is also edible and often eaten fresh or used in wine or jelly. Black Cherry trees typically begin producing fruit when they are 10 years of age.

Black Cherry wood is a rich reddish-brown color and is strong, making it valued in cabinetry and woodworking. It is often used in reclamation as well.

The leaves can poison livestock as they contain cyanide derivatives and precursors. However, many have noted that deer still seem to browse their trees with impunity and birds and other animals eat the fruit when available.

Pembina Plum is one of the best-tasting plums that can be planted on the prairies. It is semi-freestone with orange flesh that is soft, juicy, and sweet which contrasts with the thick, sour, dark red skin. The plums can grow up to 5 cm in diameter and are well-suited for fresh eating, baking, and preserves.

They typically ripen in mid to late August and should be picked as soon as they are ripe. If left too long, the fruit will fall off the tree.

Pembina Plum is a hybrid between Canada Plum and Japanese Plum. For fruit production, it needs to be planted with another variety for cross-pollination. Canada Plum and American Plum are considered universal pollinizers.

Black Cherry Quick Facts

Pembina Plum Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2b
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Height: 4 m (14 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium

Toxicity: bark and wilted leaves toxic to livestock

Foliage: long, glossy leaves
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Flowers: white
Flowers: white
Fruit: dark red
Fruit: purple-red skin with yellow flesh
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: yes
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: mountain black cherry, wild cherry, wild rum cherry