Photographs: Macroom, Co. Cork

Cherry Plum Prunus cerasifera Phraiseach bhuí Family: Rosaceae Flowering: February-April. Deciduous shrub or small tree. Introduced The white flowers are in loose spikes and appear at same time as the leaves. Sometimes followed by globular yellow or red fruits but these are not formed every year. Thornless twigs with glossy pale green leaves. Roadsides and hedgerows, often included in hedging mixes Similar: Blackthorn, P. spinosa is very thorny. The flowers are smaller, appear before leaves and usually 2-3 weeks later than Cherry Plum.

Cherry Plum, Prunus cerasifera, Phraiseach bhuí