Herb: Japanese Bird Cherry


Latin name: Prunus grayana


Synonyms: Padus grayana


Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)



Medicinal use of Japanese Bird Cherry:

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.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Deciduous
Tree

Height:
9 m
(30 feet)

Flowering:
June

Habitat of the herb:

Hills and mountains of N. Japan. Mixed forests in valleys, shady places on slopes and along trailsat elevations of 1000 - 3800 metres in China.

Edible parts of Japanese Bird Cherry:

Fruit - raw or cooked. Eaten when young (immature) and salted in Japan. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter and contains one large seed. The salted flower buds and young fruits are eaten in Japan. They have a pungent taste. Seed - raw or cooked. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes above on toxicity.

Other uses of the herb:

A green dye can be obtained from the leaves. A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit. Wood - hard, easily split. Used for printing blocks, tool handles etc.

Propagation of Japanese Bird Cherry:

Seed - requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as early in the year as possible. Protect the seed from mice etc. The seed can be rather slow, sometimes taking 18 months to germinate. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in a greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July/August in a frame. Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants in spring to early summer in a frame. Layering in spring.

Cultivation of the herb:

Hills and mountains of N. Japan. Mixed forests in valleys, shady places on slopes and along trailsat elevations of 1000 - 3800 metres in China.

Known hazards of Prunus grayana:

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.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.