Sweet Cherry, Wild Cherry, Bird Cherry
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Rosales, Family: Rosaceae, Genus: Prunus, Species: Prunus avium · Rosaceae (Rose family) · Simple, deciduous
Species
Prunus avium (Confidence: High)
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Family
Rosaceae (Rose family)
Shape
Elliptic to oblong-ovate, taper-pointed at the tip (acuminate) with a cuneate base
Size
Approximately 4 to 5 inches long and 2 to 2.5 inches wide, which falls within the typical range for this species (2.5-6 inches long)
Margin
Serrate to doubly serrate with sharp, forward-pointing teeth
Arrangement
Alternate, with short petioles that typically feature two red glands (extrafloral nectaries) near the blade base
Rarity
Very Common in cultivation and as a naturalized tree in suburban and wild settings
Color & Pattern
Mottled yellow and lime green showing late-summer or autumn chlorosis, heavily speckled with dark purple-brown necrotic spots caused by cherry leaf spot fungal infection
Venation Pattern
Pinnate, with strong, parallel secondary veins arching toward the leaf margins
Texture & Surface
Matted upper surface, thin-textured, papery to slightly leathery; finely wrinkled with shot-hole perforations where necrotic spots have dropped out
Description
A medium to large deciduous tree reaching up to 15-32 meters tall with a rounded canopy and smooth reddish-brown bark featuring prominent horizontal lenticels. In spring, it produces clusters of white 5-petaled flowers followed by sweet, fleshy drupes (cherries). The foliage turns vibrant yellow, orange, or red in late autumn.
Key Features
Doubly serrate margins, sharp acuminate apex, pinnate venation, paired red glands on the petiole near the leaf blade base, and reddish-brown bark with prominent horizontal lenticels
Habitat
Open woodlands, forest edges, hedgerows, valleys, and cultivated orchards; prefers well-drained, fertile, moist, loamy soils in full sun to partial shade
Geographic Range
Native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa; widely naturalized and cultivated across temperate regions of North America and worldwide
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair overall health. Severe infection of Cherry Leaf Spot (Blumeriella jaapii / Coccomyces hiemalis), evidenced by dark purplish-brown circular spots, localized necrosis, 'shot-hole' perforations, and early chlorotic yellowing of the blade
Interesting Facts
Sweet cherry is the ancestor of most cultivated sweet cherry cultivars worldwide. The extrafloral nectaries on the leaf petiole secrete sugary nectar to attract ants and predatory insects, which help protect the tree from herbivorous pests
Medicinal & Uses
Fruits are highly valued globally for fresh consumption, baking, and liqueurs. The wood is dense, reddish-brown, and prized in fine woodworking and cabinetmaking. Traditional herbalism used cherry stem teas as a mild diuretic
Ecological Role
Provides crucial early-season nectar for bees and other pollinators. The cherries are a major food source for songbirds, mammals, and insects, which disperse the seeds
Similar Species
Prunus cerasus (Sour Cherry, smaller habit and stiffer leaves), Prunus serotina (Black Cherry, narrower leaves with rusty hairs along the midrib underneath), and Prunus virginiana (Chokecherry, smaller leaves with finer serrations)
Foraging Tips
Look for smooth reddish-brown bark with horizontal lines and small reddish glands at the base of the leaf blade where it meets the stem. Harvest cherries in early to mid-summer when fully deep red or dark purple
Toxicity Warning
Mildly to Moderately Toxic. The fleshy fruit pulp is safe and edible, but the seeds (pits), leaves, stems, and bark contain cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin) that break down into toxic hydrogen cyanide if chewed or ingested in quantity.