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.

Cultivars of Note:

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. When mature, 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 morning sun. It grows best above 4000' (1220m) elevation and will 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 draining, low organic content, pH 5.6-6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic). This tree is not salt tolerant.

Fertilize: Apply a bagged organic fertilizer in late winter. Chemical fertilizers and manure have high salt content and should be avoided.

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' (1220-2745m) elevation. It will be more difficult to establish below 4000' (1220m) elevation.

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