Status:
valid
Authors:
Sw.
Source:
rjp
Year:
1788
Citation Micro:
Prodr. Veg. Ind. Occ. : 80 (1788)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001013904
Common Names
- Western Wild Plum
- Western Prune
- Western Plum
Description
Prunus occidentalis (also called Western Chokecherry, among many other common names) is a shrub or small tree native to western North America. It has small, oval-shaped leaves and white flowers that bloom in the spring. It is found in woodlands, scrublands, and rocky slopes.
Uses & Benefits
Prunus occidentalis is used as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage and flowers. It is also used for its edible fruits, which can be eaten fresh or cooked.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Prunus occidentalis has white flowers with five petals and a yellow center. The seeds are small and black and the seedlings have a reddish-brown stem and small, oval leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Prunus occidentalis is a deciduous shrub that grows to a height of up to 3 m (9.8 ft). It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Propagation is by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in spring and cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer.
Where to Find Prunus occidentalis
Prunus occidentalis is native to the western United States, from California to Montana. It prefers dry, rocky soils and can be found in open woodlands and along roadsides.
Species in the Prunus genus
Prunus topkegolensis,
Prunus taplejungnica,
Prunus pensylvanica,
Prunus sachalinensis,
Prunus nipponica,
Prunus yedoensis,
Prunus gondouinii,
Prunus humilis,
Prunus domestica,
Prunus ferganica,
Prunus fruticans,
Prunus prostrata,
Prunus lannesiana,
Prunus campanulata,
Prunus simonii,
Prunus ussuriensis,
Prunus undulata,
Prunus grayana,
Prunus velutina,
Prunus cornuta,
Prunus napaulensis,
Prunus pedunculata,
Prunus mongolica,
Prunus davidiana,
Prunus kansuensis,
Prunus dasycarpa,
Prunus pygeoides,
Prunus szechuanica,
Prunus setulosa,
Prunus caudata,
Prunus cercocarpifolia,
Prunus argentea,
Prunus moldavica,
Prunus stepposa,
Prunus tadzhikistanica,
Prunus vachuschtii,
Prunus ssiori,
Prunus ravenii,
Prunus douglasii,
Prunus brachybotrya,
Prunus salicifolia,
Prunus samydoides,
Prunus petunnikowii,
Prunus sargentii,
Prunus juddii,
Prunus guatemalensis,
Prunus canescens,
Prunus eminens,
Prunus armeniaca,
Prunus bifrons,
Species in the Rosaceae family
Acaena macrocephala,
Acaena antarctica,
Acaena argentea,
Acaena boliviana,
Acaena buchananii,
Acaena echinata,
Acaena agnipila,
Acaena cylindristachya,
Acaena confertissima,
Acaena eupatoria,
Acaena integerrima,
Acaena leptacantha,
Acaena ovina,
Acaena magellanica,
Acaena masafuerana,
Acaena patagonica,
Acaena tenera,
Acaena platyacantha,
Acaena pumila,
Acaena splendens,
Acaena stricta,
Acaena stangii,
Acaena trifida,
Acaena pallida,
Acaena caespitosa,
Acaena saccaticupula,
Acaena subincisa,
Acaena hirsutula,
Acaena fissistipula,
Acaena glabra,
Acaena tesca,
Acaena juvenca,
Acaena emittens,
Acaena dumicola,
Acaena profundeincisa,
Acaena minor,
Acaena alpina,
Acaena montana,
Acaena myriophylla,
Acaena poeppigiana,
Acaena anserovina,
Acaena sericea,
Acaena latebrosa,
Acaena sarmentosa,
Acaena elongata,
Acaena exigua,
Acaena rorida,
Acaena novae-zelandiae,
Acaena pinnatifida,
Acaena inermis,