Sweet Cherry

(Prunus avium)

Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Prunus avium, commonly known as Sweet Cherry, is a deciduous tree native to temperate regions of Europe and Western Asia, and has become naturalized in parts of North America and Australia. It thrives in a variety of habitats including mixed forests, forest edges, and riverbanks. Sweet Cherry trees can reach a height of 15–32 meters (49–105 feet) with a trunk diameter up to 1.5 meters (5 feet). The crown is rounded to irregular, and the bark is smooth and reddish-brown with prominent lenticels. In early spring, coinciding with the unfurling of new leaves, Sweet Cherry produces clusters of showy, white flowers with five petals and yellowish stamens. The flowers are hermaphroditic and attract bees for pollination.

The Sweet Cherry is valued for its beautiful spring blossoms and is often used as an ornamental tree in parks and large gardens. It can also be planted as a street tree, although its size may limit this use. The tree is known for its ease of maintenance and is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. It prefers full sun to part shade and requires medium amounts of water. While Sweet Cherry is primarily grown for its aesthetic appeal, it is also the parent species of many cultivated cherry varieties grown for fruit. Gardeners should be aware that the tree can suffer from pests and diseases such as cherry leaf spot, powdery mildew, and aphids. Additionally, the roots can be invasive, and care should be taken when planting near structures or pavement.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 15-30 feet
  • Width: 15-30 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Temperate mixed forests and riverbanks

Other Names

Common Names: Mazzard Cherry , Wild Cherry , Bird Cherry , Gean , Gean Cherry , Fugle-Kirsebær , Vogel-Kirsche , Süßkirsche , Süßkirschenbaum , Herzkirsche

Scientific Names: Prunus avium , Cerasus cerasus , Cerasus avium , Prunus avium subsp. juliana , Prunus cerasus var. avium , Prunus avium subsp. duracina , Cerasus avium subsp. duracina , Cerasus duracina , Cerasus arduennensis , Prunus avium var. sylvestris

GBIF Accepted Name: Prunus avium (L.) L.