Prunus serrula | Tibetan Cherry | Paperbark Cherry
Native to China, the Prunus serrula is a small, deciduous tree with a rounded crown. Planted as an ornamental tree, its smooth and shiny, mahogany-coloured bark, peels with age making this an excellent specimen tree with winter interest. The bark has horizontal lenticels that become more prominent with maturity. Small, green willow-like leaves with serrated edges turn yellow in autumn. And clusters of small, white flowers appear April to May followed by small oval red fruits. The Prunus serrula is tolerant of air pollution and will grow in most well-drained soil, except wet, shallow and chalky ground. This tree is often planted as a multi-stem, allowing its stunning bark to give maximum impact in winter.