Native Cherry Plant Care

Native Cherry (Exocarpos longifolius) belongs to the Santalaceae family within the Exocarpos genus. Native Cherry is also known as Cherry Ball, Ball Fruit.

Native Cherry displays a small shrub or tree growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Native Cherry produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Native Cherry every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Native Cherry thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Exocarpos longifolius tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Native Cherry prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Native Cherry to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Native Cherry every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Native Cherry is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Native Cherry can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Native Cherry while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Native Cherry is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Native Cherry can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to native cherry plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Native Cherry is susceptible to aphids, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Native Cherry grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Native Cherry as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.