Form: A semi-deciduous tree with umbrella shape.

Lifespan: Perennial.

Leaf retention: Evergreen except frost-deciduous.

Growth rate: Rapid.

Mature Size: 30' (9m) high and 15' (4.5m) wide.

Flowers: Five white petals, conspicuous tuft of stamens, in pendulent clusters.

Bloom: Late winter to early spring. Under favorable conditions, the tree may have a second bloom late summer.

Self-fruitful: Yes.

Years before fruiting: 3 from seed.

Fruit: Round, 0.5-0.75" (1.3-1.9cm) in diameter, deep glossy maroon to dark purple, thin, tender skin. The flesh is pale green, firm, juicy and sweet, with astringency varying by cultivar from none to overmuch, with a large pit. The fruit are bad tasting until very ripe.

Months for fruit to ripen: 3-5.

Storage after harvest: The fruit can be refrigerated 4-6 weeks in an uncovered container.

Leaves: Aromatic, slender, serrated edges, deep glossy green above, pale grayish-green beneath. New leaves can be reddish.

Stems: No thorns.

Roots: Its normal roots are shallow, so it may be grafted onto a more vigorous rootstock.

Wildlife: The flowers attract bees. The fruit attracts birds and mammals.

Toxic / Danger: All parts of the plant are poisonous except the ripe fruit.

Origin: Mexico.

USDA hardiness zones: 9-10. This tree withstands 19°F (-7.2°C) with only small branch damage.

Chill hours: None, unusual for a Prunus species.

Heat tolerant: Extra water is needed above 90°F (32°C).

Drought tolerant: No.

Sun: Full sun.

Planting: Locate this tree in well draining soil where it will receive full sun above 4000' (1220m) elevation. It may need afternoon shade at lower elevations. It will do better near a pond or other water source if it is not in a high rainfall area. This tree does not perform well in a container.

Soil: Well drained, low organic content, pH 5.6-6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic). This tree is not salt tolerant.

Fertilize: Apply organic fertilizer late winter.

Water after becoming established: Deep water weekly when fruiting, every 3-4 weeks when not fruiting. Abundant water improves the flavor of the fruit.

Mulch: Spread organic mulch inside the drip line and 8" (21cm) away from the trunk to minimize moisture evaporation and heat stress.

First Year Care: Deep water to develop a strong root system. Protect from frost. Stake carefully to prevent damage from strong winds.

Prune: This tree can be pruned into a fruiting hedge. Remove damaged branches after the danger of freezes is past.

Litter: Low except unharvested fruit and seasonal leaf changeover.

Propagation: Softwood cuttings grown in an enclosure with higher humidity. Cuttings of desirable varieties grafted onto seedling rootstock. Seed, cold stratified for 3 months. Seed does not breed true and the seedling may produce poor quality fruit.

Pests: This tree is less prone to disease than other stone fruit trees, especially sweet cherry.

Uses: Ornamental, edible fruit.

This plant is popular where it grows naturally in Mexico and South America between 4000-9000' (2020-2745m) elevation. It is considered difficult to establish below 4000' (2020m) elevation.

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