Prunus cerasifera Nigra - Black Cherry Plum The black cherry plum, Prunus cerasifera ‘Nigra’, also known as ‘Pissardii Nigra’, is a medium-sized, deciduous, ornamental tree with a round, dense, spreading head and dark purplish-black branches and twigs. The emerging leaves are red, turning brownish-purple in summer and red and orange in autumn. Pale pink single flowers open from deep pink buds on the bare branches in March, a good pollen and nectar source for bees. Occasionally bears small deep red cherry plums, edible, but best left to the birds. Easy to grow and adaptable, good in urban conditions, it’s an excellent ornamental tree.Site: Tolerates exposureSoil: Any reasonably well drained soilPosition: Full sunSeason of Interest: Spring, autumnHardiness: Fully hardyHeight: 25-40’ (8-12m) Spread: 25-33’ (8--10m) in 20 years