Eastern Redbud vs Opata Cherry Plum - TreeTime.ca

Eastern Redbud vs Opata Cherry Plum

Prunus besseyi x salicina Opata

Cercis canadensis

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Opata Cherry Plum
Eastern Redbud

Opata Cherry Plum is considered to be one of the best tasting Cherry Plum varieties. It has a pleasant, sweet flavour and a hint of acidity. They ripen in mid to late August and are well suited to fresh eating, baking, and preserves.

The fruit is closer to a plum than a cherry but is smaller than most plums.The Opata Cherry Plum’s skin is red/green whereas the flesh is yellow-green. The flesh is freestone with a juicy, firm texture. Similar to other stone fruits, it does not store for very long.

The Opata Cherry Plum is a hybrid between a Western Sand Cherry and a Japanese (Chinese) Plum. For fruit production, it needs to be planted with another variety for cross-pollination. Canada Plum and American Plum are considered universal pollinizers.

The Eastern Redbud is known for the pea-like pink buds that emerge in clusters on the bark, embellishing the tree in stunning flowers. They have a longer bloom time, sometimes for two to three weeks before the heart-shaped leaves emerge for the summer. Inedible pods emerge that turn brown in the summer, this tree is a part of the bean family.

Native to the Eastern North America. The Eastern Redbud can tolerate acidic and alkaline soil. Plant this as a beautiful understory species or shaded residential yard or garden. The bright pop of color will make an attractive ornamental tree.

Opata Cherry Plum Quick Facts

Eastern Redbud Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 4a
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fruit size: 3 cm in diameter
Flavor: pleasant and sweet, hint of acidity
Harvest: mid to late August
Flowers: rose-purple, pea-like
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: long
Maintenance: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high




Other Names: opata chum, opata plum cherry
Other Names: judas tree