Prunus cerasifera 'nigra' is a small, vase to round shaped, moderately fast growing, deciduous, exotic tree growing 5-6m x 4-5m.

Masses of pale pink flowers in spring prior to leaf burst. Produces a small rounded fruit. The bark is dark-brown to purple-brown with dark red twigs.

Tolerates a range of soil types and is highly tolerant of frost and moderately tolerant of drought.

Purple-leaved Cherry-plum has a low tolerance of compaction, waterlogging and aerial salt.