Bitter Cherry

Prunus emarginata

Physical Characteristics

Prunus emarginata is a deciduous Tree growing to 5 m (16ft 5in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from July to August. 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. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Western N. America - British Columbia to California and New Mexico.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Seed Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[229]. Intensely bitter[1, 11, 82, 99]. Some native North American Indian tribes saw the fruit as a great delicacy and an important food source, though others only ate it occasionally because of its bitter taste[257]. The fruit is 8 - 15mm in diameter with a thick flesh, and contains one large seed[229]. Seed - raw or cooked. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

Blood purifier Cardiac Contraceptive Eczema Laxative Plaster TB Tonic Bitter cherry was employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints[257]. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism. The bark is blood purifier, cardiac, laxative and tonic[257]. An infusion of the bark has been used in the treatment of tuberculosis and eczema[257]. A decoction of the root and inner bark has been taken daily as a treatment for heart troubles[257]. An infusion of the bark, combined with crab apple bark (Malus spp) has been used as a cure-all tonic in treating colds and various other ailments[257]. The bark, stuck on with resin, has been used as a dressing for wounds, swellings etc[226, 257]. An infusion of the rotten wood has been used as a contraceptive[257]. Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, all members of the genus contain amygdalin and prunasin, substances which break down in water to form hydrocyanic acid (cyanide or prussic acid). In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being[238].

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where most, if not all members of the genus produce hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. This toxin is found mainly in the leaves and seed and is readily detected by its bitter taste. It is usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm but any very bitter seed or fruit should not be eaten. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.