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Common Name: ornamental cherry
Type: Deciduous shrub
Family: Rosaceae
Zone: 5 to 6
Native Range: Western China
Height: 20 to 30 feet
Spread: 20 to 30 feet
Bloom Time: March to April
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Description: White
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Fruit: Showy Fruit
Wildlife: Attracts Birds
Uses: Flowering Tree
Culture
Best grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Good soil drainage is essential. Prune as needed after flowering.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Birchbark cherry or birchbark tree (also known as paperbark cherry, cellophane bark cherry and redbark cherry) is, as the aforementioned common names suggest, most noted for its outstanding glossy reddish-brown bark. Old bark peels somewhat like a birch to reveal a polished sheen that is typically described as being reddish brown, copper brown or mahogany brown. Native to Western China and Tibet, this is a rounded deciduous tree that typically grows to 20-30’ tall. Narrow, lance-shaped, willow-like, dark green leaves (to 4” long) are serrated (serrula meaning with saw-like teeth). No fall color. Small white flowers (3/4” across) bloom singly or in 2 to 4-flowered umbels in March-April as the foliage emerges. Flowers are followed by cherry-like red fruit (1/2” diameter drupes).
Problems
Susceptible to a large number of potential insect and disease pests. Potential diseases include cankers, leaf spot, die back, leaf curl, powdery mildew, root rot and fireblight. Potential insects include aphids, scale, borers, leafhoppers, caterpillars, tent caterpillars and Japanese beetles. Spider mites may also be troublesome.
Garden Uses
Tree bark is the main ornamental feature. Site this tree in a location where the bark can be seen and appreciated. Bark can be particularly noticeable in winter.