Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Elliptical to obovate with an abruptly pointed (acuminate) tip
Margin
Singly or doubly serrate (sharply toothed edges)
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate with a prominent, raised central midrib and several distinct secondary lateral veins branching outward toward the margins
Description
Prunus avium, commonly known as the sweet cherry, is a medium to large deciduous tree growing up to 100 feet tall. It features smooth, reddish-brown bark with prominent horizontal lenticels that peel in papery strips on older trunks. In spring, it bursts into a profusion of showy, white, fragrant flowers before or simultaneously with the emergence of the leaves.
Habitat
Found in deciduous and mixed woodlands, hedgerows, and forest edges. Prefers moist, well-drained fertile soils and full sun to partial shade
Native Range
Native to Europe, western Asia, and northwest Africa; widely naturalized and cultivated across temperate regions of North America and worldwide