TreeRM

Wild cherry

Prunus avium 路 Rosaceae 路 also Gean, Sweet cherry

A fast-growing tree of up to 30 m with masses of white blossom in April, red summer cherries loved by birds and badgers, and fiery autumn colour. It spreads by root suckers to form groups. Popular as a garden and street tree and planted for timber and in new native woodland, though it is relatively short-lived at around 60 years.

Broadleaf, drops leavesFast growingFull sunModerate water
Wild cherry
Wikimedia Commons, file Prunus_avium_fruit.jpg (see file page for author and licence)

Where it stands

Native

Adapted

  • 馃嚘馃嚭 NSW, Australia 路 Introduced per WCVPsource
  • 馃嚦馃嚳 New Zealand 路 Introduced per WCVPsource

Care

Plant in autumn or winter; stake and water for two summers. Prune only in midsummer (June to August) to avoid silver leaf disease and bacterial canker, both of which can kill trees. Cherry blackfly curls young leaves in spring. Remove unwanted suckers.

Benefits

FlowersPollinatorsBirdsWildlifeFall colorEdibleFast canopy

Good for

Yard shadeparksTimberReforestationFood

Watch out for

Short livedMessy fruitPest prone