Prunus cuthbertii Small

A deciduous tree up to 20 ft high, with a trunk sometimes 6 in. in diameter in the wild state, but shrubby in cultivation here; young shoots downy. Leaves almost glabrous except for greyish hairs along the midrib beneath, obovate or oval, 11⁄2 to 31⁄2 in. long, more than half as wide, usually rounded or even notched at the apex, tapering at the base to a downy stalk 1⁄4 in. long, margins very shallowly toothed, lower teeth glandular. Flowers very small, white, produced on leafy racemes 2 to 3 in. long, flower-stalks downy. Fruits red, roundish, 1⁄4 in. in diameter.

Native of Central Georgia, USA, where it inhabits woods. It was introduced to this country in 1901, and, although slow-growing, has proved hardy so far. Allied to P. serotina, it differs very markedly in its round-ended leaves and downy shoots and flower-stalks. It is never likely, I think, to become so handsome a tree. Its flowers, which come in June, are not showy, but its foliage is handsome and distinct among bird cherries, and falls late.