Cherry prinsepia (Prinsepia utilis)

Family: Rosaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Prinsepia utilis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3.5 m (11ft) by 3 m (9ft). It is in flower in February, and the seeds ripen in June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. Liked by children. Sloe-like, it has rather an astringent flavour. The fruit is up to 17mm long and contains a single large seed. An edible oil is obtained from the seed. It is used in cooking. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; Liked by children.; Sloe-like, it has rather an astringent flavour.; The fruit is up to 17mm long and contains a single large seed.

Habitat & North American Range

Forest, scrub and hedges, 1200 - 2700 metres. Usually found in sunny open places on dry hillsides near any spring or water-course. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)