Family: Rosaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Prunus serrulata is a deciduous flowering cherry tree native to eastern and southern China through northern Korea. It is best known for its spectacular spring bloom, when branches become covered in clusters of pink to white flowers before the leaves emerge. Because of this striking display, it is widely planted as an ornamental tree in parks, gardens, campuses, and along streets in temperate regions. In addition to its aesthetic value, it holds cultural importance in East Asia, especially in traditions centered on cherry blossom viewing.

Risks & Threats
Although Prunus serrulata is not known to be naturalized in Hawaiʻi, it does possess traits that are cause for concern. It produces fleshy fruits that can be dispersed by birds, and in favorable conditions it may spread beyond cultivated plantings. Like other cherries, it may also interact with closely related species through hybridization, which can complicate ecological dynamics. While it is currently valued as a landscape ornamental, its reproductive potential and adaptability suggest caution. Ongoing evaluation is needed to determine whether it could negatively impact Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized in New Zealand, and Hawaii Island
  
• Controlled in New Zealand and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park as an unwanted tree
  
• Other Prunus species have become invasive
  
• Unpalatable to deer and possibly other animals
  
• Parts of plants contain hydrogen cyanide
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Can reproduce by seeds which may be bird-dispersed or planted intentionally by people
  
• May form a persistent seed bank
  
• Able to sucker

Low Risk Traits:

• Only thrives at cooler, higher elevations of tropical islands
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Reaches maturity in 10+ years
  
• Certain cultivars may produce few to no seeds
  
• When produced, fruits and seeds unlikely to be accidentally dispersed
  
• Landscaping and ornamental value