Cherry, Nanking

Prunus tomentosa, is native to northern and western China, Japan, Korea, Tibet, Kashmir and the Himalayas.
It is commonly called downy cherry in recognition of its downy leaves, downy stems and downy fruits.
This is a dense, twiggy, deciduous shrub that typically grows to 6-10′ tall but spreads to 15′ wide.
It infrequently grows as a small tree.
Slightly rugose, serrate, obovate to elliptic, dark green leaves (2-3″ long) with pointed tips are pubescent above and densely lanuginous (greater pubescence) beneath.
White to light pink flowers (3/4″ across) are solitary or in pairs.
Flowers bloom in early spring (April).
Flowers are followed by red fruits (to 1/3″ across) which ripen in June-July.
Fruit is edible but of variable quality ranging from tart to sweet.
Fruit may be used in pies, jams or jellies.
Birds love the fruit.  #5 gallon