Sweet Cherry, Bird Cherry, Mazzard Cherry
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Angiosperms, Class: Eudicots, 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
Ovate to elliptical with an acuminate (pointed) tip and a rounded base.
Size
Approximately 4-6 inches long and 2-3 inches wide; typical for mature Prunus avium leaves which reach 2.5 to 6 inches.
Margin
Serrate (sharply toothed) with small glandular teeth.
Arrangement
Alternate, often cluster-like on short spur shoots; petioles are typically 1-2 inches long with two distinctive red glands near the leaf base.
Rarity
Very Common (broadly cultivated and frequently found in both domestic and wild settings).
Color & Pattern
Bright to dark green on the upper surface, paler green below. No variegation. Autumn colors range from yellow to orange or red. Some leaves show minor spotting.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with 8-16 pairs of prominent, slightly curving lateral veins.
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous) to slightly rugose (wrinkled) on top; may be slightly pubescent (hairy) along the veins on the underside. Glossy appearance when healthy.
Description
A medium to large deciduous tree growing 50-80 feet tall. It features a pyramidal crown when young, becoming more rounded with age. The bark is smooth and reddish-brown with prominent horizontal lenticels. In spring, it produces beautiful white five-petaled flowers, followed by delicious fleshy red to dark purple drupes (cherries).
Key Features
Serrate margins, acuminate tips, prominent pinnate veins, and the presence of two reddish nectar glands at the top of the petiole (leaf stalk).
Habitat
Deciduous woodlands, edges of forests, and agricultural lands. Prefers well-drained, fertile soil and full sun.
Geographic Range
Native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. Widely naturalized in North America and Australia as an escaped ornamental or orchard plant.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is some visible insect herbivory (small holes) and slight leaf curling, possibly due to aphids or Peach Leaf Curl fungus (Taphrina deformans), though the green color is vibrant.
Interesting Facts
The 'avium' in the scientific name refers to birds (aves), who are enthusiastic consumers and dispersers of the seeds. It is the primary ancestor of most sweet cherry cultivars eaten today.
Medicinal & Uses
Fruits are edible and high in antioxidants. The wood is highly prized for fine furniture and cabinetry. Stalks are sometimes used in herbal teas for diuretic properties.
Ecological Role
Provides critical early-season nectar for bees and butterflies. The fruit is a major food source for various songbirds and small mammals.
Similar Species
Prunus cerasus (Sour Cherry) which has smaller, glossier leaves; Prunus padus (Bird Cherry) which has smaller teeth and long flower racemes.
Foraging Tips
Look for the horizontal banded bark (lenticels) and the two red glands on the leaf stalk. Best identified in late spring during fruiting or early spring during bloom.
Toxicity Warning
Fruits are safe to eat, but the pits (seeds), leaves, and bark contain cyanogenic glycosides and are Moderately Toxic if ingested or crushed.