Also known as Cherry Tree · Gandhi Cherry · Mahaleb Cherry
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
St Lucie Cherry (Prunus mahaleb) - benefits, care & growing guide for this Prunus species. Find watering, sunlight, soil, and growing tips to keep St Lucie Cherry healthy, plus identification notes and plant profile details from ePlant AI.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering and fruit production.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings once established. Water young plants more consistently. Good drainage is essential.
Well-drained loam, sand, or clay
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Hardy in USDA zones 4-8. Tolerates a range of temperatures, but prefers mild winters and warm summers.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilization.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
The seeds, leaves, and bark contain cyanogenic glycosides. Ingestion can cause cyanide poisoning.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly once established, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Young plants require more consistent moisture. Reduce watering in winter.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, as St Lucie Cherry is moderately drought-tolerant once mature.
Prune in late winter or early spring before bud break to shape the tree and remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Light pruning can be done after flowering to maintain form and encourage bushier growth.
Remove suckers from the base promptly.
Propagation is typically done by seed, which requires a period of cold stratification to germinate. Grafting onto suitable rootstock is also a common method for cultivar selection or improved adaptability.
Softwood cuttings can be taken in early summer.
Repot young plants every 2-3 years in spring as they outgrow their containers. Use a well-draining potting mix. Mature trees rarely need repotting and prefer to remain undisturbed.
Ensure the new pot is only slightly larger than the previous one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of St Lucie Cherry (Prunus mahaleb)
Where St Lucie Cherry (Prunus mahaleb) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Prunus |
| Species | Prunus mahaleb |
Similar in genus Prunus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
