About Prunus tenella Batsch
Prunus tenella, commonly called dwarf Russian almond, is a species of deciduous shrub in the genus Prunus. It is native to steppes of Eastern Europe and Western Siberia, as well as dry open sites in the Caucasus, Western Asia, and Central Asia. This shrub produces small, almond-like hairy fruits that have a characteristic flavor. It grows to 1.5 m (5 ft) tall, and is a popular ornamental plant for cold temperate regions. It is valued for its abundant spring blossom and exceptional winter hardiness. Prunus tenella was formerly classified in Prunus sect. Amygdalus, but molecular phylogenetic studies show it is closely related to bush cherries, apricots, and plums, rather than true almonds. Its Latin specific epithet "tenella" translates to "tender" or "delicate". 'Fire Hill' is a well-known cultivar of this species that bears red flowers.
