Prunus apricots, of cherries, and of plums, all of which have cultivars developed for commercial fruit and nut production. The almond is not a true nut, the edible part is the seed. Other species are occasionally cultivated or used for their seed and fruit. A number of species, hybrids, and cultivars are grown as ornamental plants, usually for their profusion of flowers, sometimes for ornamental foliage and shape, and occasionally for their bark. The Tree of 40 Fruit has forty varieties grafted on to one rootstock. Species such as blackthorn ("Prunus spinosa"), are grown for hedging, game cover, and other utilitarian
Prunus lusitanica and Oregon as invasive. It is thought to have spread from cultivated areas into natural areas by birds who consume and defecate the fruits away from the source plant. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. The leaves of "Prunus lusitanica" contain cyanide and will release this into the environment if burnt or if crushed. The fruit is somewhat edible if fully ripe, but if it is bitter, it is toxic and should not be eaten. Prunus lusitanica Prunus lusitanica, the Portugal laurel, is a species of the genus "Prunus", related to the cherry. It is