Capulin Cherry

Frost Tolerance: Semi hardy in Phoenix, leaf damage at 26° F ( -3° C), limb damage at 22° F( -5° C)

Heat Tolerance: Very questionable, avoid any direct sun

Sun Exposure: Full sun to fruit, shade to survive in Phoenix

Origin: Mexico

Growth Habits: Evergreen or semideciduous tree, fast growing to 25 feet

Watering Needs: Regular water

Propagation: Seeds but quality is variable, air layering

This is a tree that I have been trying to grow in my backyard in Phoenix for a while. They do okay in the spring, and start losing their leaves in July, barely surviving August and dying in September. The pattern has been repeated 3 years in a row, and there doesn't seem to be any difference between a full sun and a full shade exposure. I do want a Capulin Cherry tree, maybe this time (2000) I will plant it in half shade, in September with a lot of mulch and give it a last try.

Blooming Habits:
Fragrant white flowers in March followed by cherry-like dark purple with green flesh fruits

Links:
CRFG fruit facts