Catalina Island Cherry (Prunus lyonii)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −12.2 °C
Cultivation
Thrives in a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil. Succeeds in a hot dry position. This species is not very frost resistant and is only really suitable for the milder areas of the country. Closely related to, and hybridizing freely with, P. illicifolia. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagation
Seed - requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. 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.
Edible uses
Fruit - raw. A finer flavour than P. ilicifolia, the best forms are said to compare favourably with cultivated sweet cherries. Seed - raw or cooked. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes above on toxicity.
Medicinal uses
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.
Material uses
A green dye can be obtained from the leaves. A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit. Wood - heavy, hard, very close-grained.
Habitat
Found in all situations from the fertile valleys and canyons at the waters edge up to altitudes of 1,000 metres on the dry interior ridges.
Native range
South-western N. America - California.