Home
Plants
Prunus avium

Prunus avium

Save

Wild cherryFruit, DeciduousFamily: Rosaceae

Height: 20mSpread: 8m
Hardy

Flower colour:

White

Foliage colour:

Green

Position

Sun Exposure:

Full sun

Aspect:

South facing, west facing

Position in Border:

Back

Soil

Prefers rich soil:

Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

The wild cherry, or gean, Prunus avium, is a medium-sized deciduous tree with pure white flowers in spring, followed by small, red-purple cherries in summer. The chestnut-coloured bark becomes silvery with age, and leaves turn a rich orange-red in autumn.

There are many cultivars of wild cherry, including variety 'Plena', which has pendulous clusters of nodding double white flowers, and does not produce fruit. The fruits of Prunus avium are edible, but can be rather bitter, so opt for a cultivar if your main reason for growing it is to produce edible fruits.

For best results, grow in full sun with free-draining soil. Prunus avium is only suitable for large gardens – trees can reach 20m in height, or more.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecPlantyesyesyesFlowersyes**yesFruitsyesyesyesPruneyesHarvestyesyesyes

Prunus ‘Avium’ and wildlife

Prunus ‘Avium’ is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It is a caterpillar food plant, has nectar/pollen rich flowers, provides shelter and habitat and has seeds for birds.

Is known to attract Bees

Bees

Is known to attract Beneficial insects

Beneficial insects

Is known to attract Birds

Birds

Is known to attract Butterflies/Moths

Butterflies/Moths

Is known to attract Other pollinators

Other pollinators

Is Prunus ‘Avium’ poisonous?

Prunus ‘Avium’ can be toxic.

Toxic to:

Is known to attract Cats

Cats

Is known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is known to attract Horses

Horses

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock

Is not known to attract People

People