Pin Cherry

(Prunus pensylvanica)

Pin Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Prunus pensylvanica, commonly known as Pin Cherry, is a deciduous tree or shrub native to cool temperate regions, including boreal forests and the edges of wetlands in the Northeastern United States and Canada, as well as montane regions in parts of the Rocky Mountains. It is often one of the first species to colonize an area after a disturbance, such as fire or clear-cutting, due to its ability to sprout rapidly from seeds and root suckers. Typically, it grows 5–15 meters (16–49 feet) tall with a straight trunk and a narrow, round-topped crown, although exceptional specimens up to 30 meters (98 feet) tall have been found in the southern Appalachians. The bark is thin and smooth, reddish-brown, and the foliage is simple and ovate.

Pin Cherry’s flowers are small, white, and appear in clusters of five to seven in late spring, offering a modest display. The fruit is a small red drupe that matures in late summer, providing food for wildlife and opportunities for human culinary use. The tree is valued for its ability to thrive in disturbed sites, making it useful for reclamation projects. It is also used ornamentally in naturalized areas or as a pioneer species in forest restoration. Pin Cherry prefers well-drained soils and is adaptable to full sun or partial shade conditions. While it is not typically prone to serious pest or disease problems, it can suffer from cherry leaf spot and is relatively short-lived, often succumbing to disease or competition after 20-40 years.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
  • Height: 25-30 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

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., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to cool temperate regions, including boreal forests and the edges of wetlands, as well as montane regions

Other Names

Common Names: Bird Cherry, Red Cherry, Fire Cherry, Feuerkirsche, Amerikanskt Häggkörsbär, Amerikansk Körsbärshägg

Scientific Names: , Prunus pensylvanica, Cerasus pensylvanica, Prunus pensylvanica var. pensylvanica, Cerasus persicifolia, Padellus pennsylvanica, Padus pensylvanica, Prunus borealis, Prunus persicifolia, Cerasus borealis

GBIF Accepted Name: Prunus pensylvanica L.fil.