Purple leaf plum, Cherry plum, Myrobalan plum (Prunus cerasifera)
Prunus cerasifera · Rosaceae (Rose family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple leaf, deciduous
Shape
Elliptical to ovate with an acute apex and cuneate base
Margin
Serrate to doubly serrate with fine, sharp teeth along the edge
Arrangement
Alternate along the twig with a short petiole
Venation
Pinnate venation with a prominent midrib and branching lateral veins that form a reticulate pattern
Key Features
Distinctive dark purple or maroon foliage throughout the growing season, finely serrate leaf margins, smooth reddish-brown bark on younger branches, and early spring blossoms
Habitat
Thrives in full sun to partial shade, adaptable to various well-drained soils including clay, loam, and sand, with moderate moisture requirements
Native Range
Native to Southeast Europe and Western Asia, widely cultivated and naturalized as an ornamental shade and street tree across North America, Europe, and parts of temperate Asia