Sweet Cherry
Prunus avium
Also listed as Cerasus avium, Druparia avium
Also known as Mazzard, Gean, Gean Cherry
Climate Match for your location
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A vigorous deciduous tree valued for its white spring blossoms and dark red to black cherries that attract wildlife. It develops attractive dark bark and golden fall color.
Why grow it
Wild cherry outperforms many ornamental cherries in vigor and longevity, often reaching 60+ feet with minimal pruning requirements. It establishes reliable wildlife value through abundant fruit production and provides harder wood suitable for coppicing or pollarding in permaculture systems. Unlike many cultivated cherry varieties, it tolerates a wider range of soil conditions and climates across temperate regions, making it a practical choice for mixed woodland gardens.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from stake support in exposed sites, as the species can develop asymmetrical crowns if stressed early. Volunteer seedlings may emerge in nearby beds from bird-dispersed seed, requiring regular removal if they're not wanted. Heavy fruit crops can occasionally mask underlying branch structure problems, so occasional thinning of crowded growth helps prevent later limb breakage. The pits, seeds and wilted leaves are toxic; eat only the fruit.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native Range
Europe and western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
'Bing' and 'Rainier' are among the most commercially popular, prized for large, sweet fruit and reliable production. 'Stella' is a self-fertile cultivar that simplifies home growing by not requiring a separate pollinator tree.
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A vigorous deciduous tree valued for its white spring blossoms and dark red to black cherries that attract wildlife. It develops attractive dark bark and golden fall color.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Sweet Cherry grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Wild cherry outperforms many ornamental cherries in vigor and longevity, often reaching 60+ feet with minimal pruning requirements. It establishes reliable wildlife value through abundant fruit production and provides harder wood suitable for coppicing or pollarding in permaculture systems. Unlike many cultivated cherry varieties, it tolerates a wider range of soil conditions and climates across temperate regions, making it a practical choice for mixed woodland gardens.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from stake support in exposed sites, as the species can develop asymmetrical crowns if stressed early. Volunteer seedlings may emerge in nearby beds from bird-dispersed seed, requiring regular removal if they're not wanted. Heavy fruit crops can occasionally mask underlying branch structure problems, so occasional thinning of crowded growth helps prevent later limb breakage. The pits, seeds and wilted leaves are toxic; eat only the fruit.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native Range
Europe and western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar canopy trees you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
'Bing' and 'Rainier' are among the most commercially popular, prized for large, sweet fruit and reliable production. 'Stella' is a self-fertile cultivar that simplifies home growing by not requiring a separate pollinator tree.