Sour Cherry

(Prunus cerasus)

Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus)

Diako1971

CC BY-SA 4.0

Image By: Diako1971

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Copyright Notice: Photo by: Diako1971 | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Diako1971 | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Black_Che.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description=''[[Prunus fasciculata]]'' in [[Calico Basin]], [[Spring Mountains]], southern Nevada |Source=self-made |Date=4 April 2006 |Author= [[User:Stan Shebs|Stan Shebs]] |Permission=see below |other_versions= }} {{Stan Shebs photo}} |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Prunus cerasus, commonly known as Sour Cherry, is a deciduous tree or large shrub native to temperate regions of Europe and southwest Asia, including the North Caucasus. It typically grows to a height of 4–10 meters and has a spread of 3–4 meters. The plant features twiggy branches and a rounded canopy. Its bark is smooth and reddish-brown with conspicuous lenticels. The leaves are simple and ovate with serrated margins. Sour Cherry is particularly noted for its spring blossoms, which are white to pale pink, appearing before the leaves in early spring. The flowers are modestly showy and attract pollinators. The fruit, which follows the flowers, is a small cherry ranging from crimson to near-black, borne on shorter stalks and is tart in flavor.

Sour Cherry is valued for its attractive spring blossoms and edible fruit, which has numerous culinary uses. It is commonly used in orchards for fruit production and in gardens as an ornamental plant. The fruit is rich in antioxidants and is used in a variety of dishes, including soups, pork dishes, cakes, tarts, and pies. This species prefers full sun but can tolerate part shade. It requires well-drained soils and is adaptable to a range of soil types, from clay to loam. While it has medium water requirements, it is somewhat drought tolerant once established. Sour Cherry can be susceptible to pests and diseases such as cherry leaf spot and aphids. It is also potentially invasive in some regions, so gardeners should consult local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
Height: 12-18 feet
Width: 15-20 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Flower Color: Pink, White
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Medium
Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

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

native to temperate regions of Europe and southwest Asia, including the North Caucasus

Other Names

Common Names: Morello Cherry, Pie Cherry, Tart Cherry, Dwarf Cherry, Amarelle Cherry, Sur-Kirsebær, Surkirsebær, Sauerkirsche, Sauerkirschenbaum, Weichsel

Scientific Names: , Prunus cerasus, Prunus pendula, Prunus vulgaris, Cerasus vulgaris, Prunus rosea, Prunus cerasus subsp. acida, Prunus semperflorens, Prunus acida, Prunus cerasus var. semperflorens

GBIF Accepted Name: Prunus cerasus L.