American Bladdernut vs Manor Cherry Plum - TreeTime.ca

American Bladdernut vs Manor Cherry Plum

Staphylea trifolia

Prunus besseyi x salicina Manor

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

American Bladdernut
Manor Cherry Plum

American Bladdernut is a fast-growing, ornamental shrub native to eastern North America. It can be grown as a large shrub or trained as a small tree. The small, drooping, white flowers are bell-shaped and grow in clusters. They appear in mid to late spring, attracting various pollinators. Well suited as an understory plant as it prefers shady and partial sun location with moist soils.

The blossoms mature into papery seed capsules and have been described as miniature Japanese lanterns. They are commonly used in dried flower arrangements. The seeds found within the pods are edible, and have a taste similar to pistachios. They can be eaten raw, used in baking or made into a sweet cooking oil.

Care should be taken when planting American Bladdernut, as it can spread quickly. It is prone to suckering and will self-seed. Plant the right tree in the right place.

Manor Cherry Plum has a nice sweet flavour and a hint of astringency, making it a top Cherry Plum variety. 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 Manor Cherry Plum has thin dark purple skin, nearly black when ripe and the flesh is purplish-red. The flesh is almost freestone and is tender and juicy. Similar to other stone fruits, it does not store for very long but can keep for up to a week in the fridge.

The Manor 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.

American Bladdernut Quick Facts

Manor Cherry Plum Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 4 m (12 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Light: shade, partial shade
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium
Maintenance: medium


Flowers: white
Fruit: nearly black when ripe and purplish-red flesh
Fruit size: 2.5-3 cm in diameter
Flavor: sweet flavour, slightly astringent
Harvest: mid to late August
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC
Other Names: manor chum, manor plum cherry