Prunus jacquemontii Hook. f.

A deciduous bush up to 12 ft high, with glabrous, slender, grey branchlets. Leaves ovate to obovate, pointed at both ends, up to 21⁄2 in. long, by 1 in. wide, glabrous, sharply and regularly toothed; stalk 1⁄4 in. long. The leaves on the flowering spurs are shorter and narrower than on the extension growths. Flowers one to three at each joint, very short-stalked, bright rosy pink, 1⁄3 to 1⁄2 in. in diameter; calyx funnel-shaped, 1⁄5 in. long, with short, pointed lobes. Fruits roundish, 5⁄8 in. long, red, juicy, containing a roundish stone 1⁄4 in. or rather more long. Bot. Mag., t. 6976.

Native of the N.W. Himalaya, W. Pakistan, and Afghanistan; introduced in 1879 by Dr Aitchison from the Kurram Valley, where it occurs at altitudes of about 6,000 ft. It has been confused with P. humilis, under the notice of which the distinctions have been pointed out. P. jacquemontii is a pretty cherry, perfectly hardy, and makes shoots over 1 ft long during a season, which are well furnished with flowers towards the end of the following April. Propagated by layers. There used to be bushes at Kew 12 ft high and 12 ft through. It needs a dry sunny position.