Question: I think this may be something in the genus Prunus, based on the paired glands on the leaf petiole. There …
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Question
I think this may be something in the genus Prunus, based on the paired glands on the leaf petiole. There is a large clump at the top of the berm at Hellcat on Plum Island. None of the plants are over 3' high, but that likely is because the area is cut down periodically. I don't see any flowers or fruit, but that may be due to the plants being sexually mature. The plant is host to the Ugly Nest Caterpillar Moth, as one photo shows. Thanks.
Answer
Dear chaffeemonell, good afternoon. The plant certainly does look like a species of Prunus and, based on the leaf color and shape it suggests an open-grown, sprouting, Prunus virginiana (choke cherry). I cannot be certain without a specimen in hand, but this is what the photographs suggest for a determination. Best wishes.
