Prunus pseudocerasus var. pseudocerasus is displaying early blossom beside the Lake.
A member of the rose family (Rosaceae) the cosmopolitan genus Prunus contains approximately 350 species of trees and shrubs, occurring from sea level to mountain zones, in a range of habitats. Members of the genus are characterised by their simple, spirally arranged leaves; and their flowers which have five sepals and five petals; two whorls of numerous stamens; a superior ovary; and a drupe (a fleshy fruit containing a single seed, such as a peach). Some members of the genus are economically valuable for their fruits, nuts and timber, and are also valuable ornamentally in our gardens. P. pseudocerasus var. pseudocerasus (sour cherry, or Ying tao cherry) is a Chinese species reaching 8m in height. It grows on mountain slopes and ravines at altitudes up to 1200m. Corymbs of between three and seven white flowers, often with a notch at the apex of the petals, and with numerous stamens, are borne from February to March. The fruits are globular and are red when ripe, and although edible, are very sour.