PRUNUS IN EASTERN CANADA

Abstract

The distribution of Prunus species in Eastern Canada is of definite economic significance since these species serve as secondary hosts for leaf hoppers and aphids, which are vectors of important virus diseases.A key is presented for the determination of the following native and naturalized species: Prunus spinosa, insititia, domestica, americana, nigra, Persica, pumila, avium, Cerasus, mahaleb, pennsylvanica, serotina, Padus, and virginiana. The detailed distribution of these species is outlined through the citation of herbarium specimens and Canadian Weed Survey records, the ranges of the more important species being mapped.Cultivated and naturalized species are considered to be of little significance in disease transmittal. In potato-growing regions the choke cherry (P. virginiana) which frequents fence-rows is probably the most important species, although the bird cherry (P. pennsylvanica) may also be important on light sandy soils.