Sweet Cherry, Wild Cherry, Gean, Mazzard
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Angiosperms, Class: Eudicots, Order: Rosales, Family: Rosaceae, Genus: Prunus, Species: Prunus avium · Rosaceae (Rose family) · Simple, Deciduous
Species
Prunus avium
Leaf Type
Simple, Deciduous
Family
Rosaceae (Rose family)
Shape
Ovate-oblong to obovate
Size
Approximately 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long; width is about 2-3 inches. This fits within the typical mature species range of 3-7 inches.
Margin
Serrate (toothed), with sharp, somewhat irregular teeth.
Arrangement
Alternate, often clustered at the tips of short spurs.
Rarity
Common (frequently found in both wild and cultivated landscapes).
Color & Pattern
Uniform deep green on the upper surface with a slightly paler matte green underneath. No variegation visible. Autumn colors typically transition to vibrant yellows, oranges, or deep reds.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate, with 8-14 pairs of prominent lateral veins extending to the margins.
Texture & Surface
Relatively smooth (glabrous) on top with a slightly rugose or wrinkled appearance between veins; the underside often has small tufts of hair in the vein axils.
Description
A medium to large deciduous tree growing up to 15-32 meters tall. Known for its beautiful white spring blossoms and smooth, reddish-brown bark with prominent horizontal lenticels. The fruit is a fleshy drupe, varying from bright red to nearly black, which is highly prized by both humans and wildlife.
Key Features
Ovate shape with a pointed tip, prominent pinnate veining, and two small red glands (nectaries) usually located on the petiole just below the leaf blade base.
Habitat
Deciduous woodlands, forest edges, and hedgerows. Prefers well-drained, fertile, loamy soils and full sun to partial shade.
Geographic Range
Native to Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa. Widely naturalized in North America and Australia due to cultivation.
Condition Notes
Good condition; the leaf appears fresh with no significant signs of chlorosis, fungal rust, or major insect herbivory. Minor mechanical tearing at the tip may be present.
Interesting Facts
The wood is highly valued for fine furniture and cabinetry due to its rich color and grain. It is the primary ancestor of most cultivated sweet cherries eaten today.
Medicinal & Uses
Used for timber, edible fruit production, and as an ornamental flowering tree. Historically, cherry stalks were used in traditional herbalism for diuretic properties.
Ecological Role
High wildlife value; flowers provide nectar for bees and insects, while fruits are a vital food source for birds (hence the name 'avium') and small mammals.
Similar Species
Prunus cerasus (Sour Cherry), which has smaller, glossier leaves; Prunus padus (Bird Cherry), which has finer teeth and different flower clusters.
Foraging Tips
Look for the distinctive horizontal lines (lenticels) on the bark and the pair of red glands at the base of the leaf. Harvest fruit in mid-summer when fully ripe and dark.
Toxicity Warning
Fruits are edible; however, the seeds (pits), leaves, and bark contain cyanogenic glycosides and are moderately toxic if ingested in quantity. Toxicity Level: Moderately Toxic (non-fruit parts).