Sour Cherry
Prunus cerasus · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Fruit Tree, Hardwood
Plant Family
Rosaceae (Rose family)
Tree Category
Fruit / Flowering / Ornamental Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Likely 'Montmorency' or a similar heirloom variety based on the rounded, spreading form and localized region
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-8. It is more cold-hardy than Sweet Cherry varieties and requires a specific amount of winter chill hours to set fruit.
About This Tree
A small to medium-sized tree with a low-branching, rounded, and spreading habit. In this specimen, it exhibits a multi-stemmed or low-forked trunk with a dense, globose canopy. It is known for its prolific white spring blossoms followed by bright red edible fruit.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate, ovate to elliptic leaves, approximately 2-5 inches long. They are dark green, glossy on top, with finely serrated (saw-toothed) margins and acute tips. Fall foliage typically turns a dull yellow to orange.
Bark Characteristics
Grey-brown to reddish-brown bark, relatively smooth when young but developing horizontal lenticels (breathing pores). With age, it becomes rougher, fissured, and may slightly peel in thin papery strips.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and Southwest Asia; widely naturalized in North America, particularly in the Pacific Northwest and Great Lakes regions
Growing Season
Leafs out in early spring; flowers in late April to May; fruit matures in June/July; enters dormancy in late autumn after yellow fall color changes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun is required for best fruit production; prefers well-drained, moist, loamy soil. Moderately drought-tolerant once established but needs regular water during fruit swell.
Mature Size
Typically 15-30 feet in height and spread. It has a moderate growth rate and a lifespan of 20-40 years on average.
Special Characteristics
Self-fertile (does not require a second tree for pollination). Valued for culinary uses (pies and preserves) due to higher acidity. Shows moderate resistance to many common fruit pests compared to sweet cherries.
Wildlife & Ecology
Highly valuable to pollinators like honeybees and mason bees during the spring bloom. The fruit provides a significant food source for birds (starlings, robins, cedar waxwings) and small mammals. Provides nesting cover for songbirds.