West Indian Cherry: A Lesser-Known Native Shrub Worth Discovering
If you’re on the hunt for native plants that fly under the radar, you might have stumbled across Prunus myrtifolia, commonly known as West Indian cherry. This perennial shrub represents one of those intriguing native species that doesn’t get much spotlight in typical gardening circles, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth considering for your landscape.
What is West Indian Cherry?
West Indian cherry (Prunus myrtifolia) is a native shrub that belongs to the same genus as our beloved cherry trees, though it’s quite a different character. This multi-stemmed woody plant typically stays under 13-16 feet tall, making it a manageable size for most home landscapes. You might also see it listed under its botanical synonym, Laurocerasus myrtifolia, in older botanical references.
Where Does It Call Home?
This native beauty has a rather limited natural range, calling both Florida and Puerto Rico home. Its distribution suggests it’s adapted to warm, subtropical conditions and likely thrives in the unique ecosystems of these regions.
The Challenge with West Indian Cherry
Here’s where things get a bit tricky for the curious gardener: West Indian cherry is one of those native plants that seems to have slipped through the cracks of modern horticultural knowledge. While we know it exists and where it grows naturally, detailed information about its growing requirements, appearance, and garden performance is surprisingly scarce in readily available sources.
Should You Plant It?
This presents an interesting dilemma. On one hand, supporting native plants is always a good practice for local ecosystems. Native shrubs typically offer:
- Better adaptation to local climate conditions
- Potential wildlife and pollinator benefits
- Lower maintenance once established
- Support for local ecosystem health
However, the lack of readily available cultivation information makes West Indian cherry a bit of a gardening adventure. If you’re the type who enjoys pioneering with unusual plants, this could be right up your alley.
What We Do Know
Based on its native status and shrub classification, West Indian cherry is likely:
- A perennial woody plant that will come back year after year
- Adapted to Florida and Puerto Rico growing conditions
- Suitable for warm, subtropical climates
- A multi-stemmed shrub that won’t overwhelm your space
Finding and Growing West Indian Cherry
If you’re determined to add this native shrub to your garden, your biggest challenge will be sourcing it. You’ll likely need to contact native plant societies in Florida or specialty nurseries that focus on rare or unusual native species. When you do find it, start conservatively – plant it in conditions similar to what you’d provide for other Florida natives and observe how it responds.
Consider These Alternatives
If you’re drawn to the idea of a native Prunus species but can’t locate West Indian cherry, consider these well-documented alternatives:
- Carolina Laurelcherry (Prunus caroliniana) – widely available and well-studied
- Other native Florida shrubs with similar growth habits
- Consult local native plant societies for regionally appropriate suggestions
The Bottom Line
West Indian cherry represents the fascinating world of lesser-known native plants – species that are part of our natural heritage but haven’t made it into mainstream horticulture. While it’s challenging to provide specific growing advice due to limited available information, supporting native plant diversity is always worthwhile when done responsibly.
If you decide to pursue this botanical adventure, connect with local native plant experts, document your experience, and consider sharing your findings with the broader gardening community. After all, every well-known garden plant was once a mystery waiting to be understood!
