Cherry, Sour
Prunus cerasus
Rosaceae - Rose

Description

Leaves: Alternate; simple; doubly serrate; 2" to 3" long; deciduous; slightly pubescent beneath; no glands on petiole.

Twigs/buds: Twigs medium texture, reddish brown, with prominent lenticels. Buds scaly, red-brown like twig.

Flowers/fruit: Flowers white, 1/3" to 1/2", in small clusters. Fruit a large, bright red drupe; juicy; typical pie cherry.

Bark: Shiny and layered with prominent horizontal ridges or lenticels.

Wood: Can be used for carving or making furniture; little information available.

General: Small tree native to Europe and Asia, but long cultivated around the world. Intermediate shade tolerance. Thorns or spines that can be dangerous; use thornless varieties if possible. Fruit and/or plant part can be nuisances; use fruitless varieties if possible.

Landscape Use: Commonly planted orchard tree grown for "pie cherries." Avoid unless fruit is important. Better species are available for ornamental purposes. Zones 3-9.

Cultivars: 'Amarelles', 'Flemish', 'Griottes', 'Kentish Red', 'Morello'.

Characteristics

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