Sweet Cherry, Wild Cherry, Gean, Mazzard Cherry
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Angiosperms, Class: Eudicots, Order: Rosales, Family: Rosaceae, Genus: Prunus, Species: Prunus avium · Rosaceae (Rose family) · Simple, deciduous leaf
Species
Prunus avium
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Family
Rosaceae (Rose family)
Shape
Ovate to elliptical with an acuminate tip (pointed) and a rounded base
Size
Approximately 3-5 inches long and 1.5-2.5 inches wide, which is within the typical species range of 2-6 inches.
Margin
Serrate (sharply toothed) or doubly serrate
Arrangement
Alternate, often crowded at the tips of short spurs
Rarity
Very Common; widely cultivated for fruit and timber and easily found in the wild in temperate regions.
Color & Pattern
Upper surface is a deep, vibrant forest green; lower surface is typically a paler green. Turns brilliant shades of orange, pink, or red in the autumn.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation with 8-14 pairs of prominent lateral veins that are relatively straight.
Texture & Surface
The upper surface is smooth (glabrate) and slightly matte to semi-glossy, while the underside may have small tufts of hair at the vein axils. The petiole often features two small red glands near the leaf base.
Description
This leaf belongs to a medium-to-large deciduous tree known for its beautiful white spring blossoms and delicious fruit. The tree can reach 50-100 feet in height. Its bark is distinctive, featuring horizontal lenticels and a reddish-brown 'bronzed' appearance that peels in thin strips. The fruit is a drupe, turning dark red or purple when ripe.
Key Features
Sharply serrated margins, prominent straight pinnate veins, and the critical presence of two small red glands (nectaries) at the top of the petiole near the base of the leaf blade.
Habitat
Deciduous woodlands, edges of forests, and hedgerows. Prefers well-drained, fertile silty or sandy soils and full sun to partial shade.
Geographic Range
Native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. Widely naturalized in North America and Australia as an escaped ornamental or commercial orchard tree.
Condition Notes
The specimen appears to be in Excellent condition. It shows vibrant chlorophyll levels, no visible insect herbivory (holes), and no signs of fungal rust or leaf spots common in the Rosaceae family.
Interesting Facts
The species name 'avium' refers to birds (Latin 'avis'), who are the primary distributors of the seeds. It is the progenitor of most cultivated sweet cherries. In folklore, the wood was often used to make pipes and fine furniture due to its rich color.
Medicinal & Uses
Fruit is highly prized as a fresh food and for preserves. The timber is valuable for high-end cabinetry. Traditionally, cherry stalks (peduncles) were used in herbal teas as a diuretic. Landscaping value is high due to springtime floral displays.
Ecological Role
Provides a critical early-season nectar source for bees and pollinators. Fruit is a major food source for various birds (starlings, thrushes) and mammals. It acts as a larval host for several species of Lepidoptera.
Similar Species
Prunus cerasus (Sour Cherry) which has smaller, glossier leaves; Prunus padus (Bird Cherry) which has smaller teeth and different flower clusters; Prunus serotina (Black Cherry) which has more elongated leaves and rusty hairs along the midrib.
Foraging Tips
Look for these in late spring/early summer for fruit. Look for the 'tiger-stripe' horizontal lines on the bark to identify the tree before the leaves are within reach. Check the petiole for the diagnostic red glands.
Toxicity Warning
The fruit flesh is safe and edible. However, the pits (seeds), bark, and wilted leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin) and are Highly Toxic if ingested in large quantities, as they can release cyanide. Toxicity Level: Moderately Toxic (non-fruit parts).