Wild Cherry (also known as Sweet Cherry or Mazzard Cherry)
Prunus avium · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Rosaceae
Tree Category
Fruit Tree, Flowering, Shade Tree, Ornamental
Variety / Cultivar
None (wild species type likely, though often used as rootstock for sweet cherry cultivars)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-8; adaptable to temperate climates with cold winters.
About This Tree
A medium-sized tree with an upright, oval to rounded crown. It features white spring blossoms, followed by small dark drupes and striking reddish-brown horizontal lenticels on the bark. It has a moderate to fast growth rate.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate leaves; elliptical to ovate shape with serrated (toothed) margins; 2-6 inches long; dull green above and paler beneath; features two small red glands at the base of the leaf blade on the petiole.
Bark Characteristics
Smooth, reddish-brown to gray-brown bark prominently marked with horizontal grey-brown stripes (lenticels); peels in horizontal strips with age and becomes fissured at the base.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe, Western Asia, and Northwest Africa; widely naturalized in North America.
Growing Season
Leafs out and flowers in early spring (April-May); fruits ripen in early-to-mid summer (June-July); enters dormancy in late autumn.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun for best fruit production; prefers well-drained, moist loamy soils; moderate drought tolerance once established but prefers consistent moisture.
Mature Size
Height: 30-50 feet; Spread: 20-35 feet; Lifespan: 50-80 years; Trunk diameter: 1-2 feet.
Special Characteristics
Produces edible but often tart fruit; highly valued for fine-grained, reddish-brown timber (cherry wood); excellent fall color (yellows and reds); ornamental flowers.
Wildlife & Ecology
High ecological value; flowers provide nectar for bees and pollinators; fruits are a significant food source for birds, squirrels, and bears; host plant for various caterpillar species.