Japanese flowering cherry

Prunus serrulata

Family: Rosaceae

Pet & Human Safety

Hazard to people and pets

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

NC State: leaves, stems and seeds are toxic to cats, dogs and horses. No human-hazard statement or NC State poison fields on the page.

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

Pet verdict: toxic. ASPCA index has a whole-genus Cherry (Prunus spp.) page; NC State also says the leaves, stems and seeds are toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Do not treat as pet-safe.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 5a-8b per NC State; zone 5 and hardier per Oregon State; USDA 5-9 per Utah State
Light: NC State: flowers best in full sun (6 or more hours); partial shade also listed (2-6 hours).
Water needs: medium medium is a plain-language reading of NC State (moist, well-drained soil; does not tolerate poorly drained soil) and Utah State (medium drought tolerance, low poor-drainage tolerance). Always finger-test two inches down.
Mature size: NC State: 15-25 ft tall and about as wide. Oregon State: 20-35 ft tall.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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