Alternatives for Prunus in the Nursery and Landscape

In 1999, a new viral disease of Prunus was discovered in portions of Adams and Cumberland Counties, Pennsylvania. The disease, called plum pox or sharka, is widespread in stone fruit growing areas of Europe, and causes major economic damage. An effort is underway to eradicate this pest from Pennsylvania, so that our stone fruit and nursery industries will not face long-term loss in profitability from this virus. To help in that effort, Pennsylvania's Secretary of Agriculture has declared a moratorium on planting of Prunus in the plum pox virus quarantine area.

This list of alternatives to Prunus in landscape settings has been developed to help in situations where planting of Prunus is prohibited. It is not an exhaustive list -- you or your nursery stock supplier may have other good suggestions for alternatives to Prunus. Your help in the effort to rid our state of plum pox virus is very much appreciated.

Prunus as a landscape plant is generally used for the foliage and flower display, and ranges from shrubs to small trees. As a rule, Prunus is not considered to be a long-lived landscape plant under most conditions and there are a variety of plants better suited for landscape situations.

Most plants on this 'alternative' list will offer much more than Prunus in flower quality, summer foliage, and fall leaf and fruit color. Using the following plant materials instead of Prunus will introduce additional variety and seasonal color into the landscape.

List compiled by:

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
The Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association
The Pennsylvania State University