Wild Cherry Tree Facts and Information

Wild Cherry Tree Facts and Information

  • Latin Name: Prunus avium
  • Native Words: Old Irish (Crann silín fiáin), Scots Gaelic (), Old English (), Welsh (), Eastern Celtic ()
  • Ogham Sign:
  • Height When Mature: 25m
  • Height After 10 Years:

Wild Cherry Tree Leaves

Wild Cherry Tree Botanical Description

The Wild Cherry Tree is one of Britain’s smaller native trees and can tolerate light shade, often appearing as single trees in lowland broadleaved woods. In early spring, the brilliant white blossom bursts into life before most other plants, hanging in dramatic snow-like clusters.

New leaves emerge bronze, turning green and then deep red in autumn. They are oval and finely toothed. The bark is dark brown with distinctive horizontal lenticels (breathing holes) and peels off in strips. The fruit, initially yellow-orange, ripens to deep crimson in July. Although edible, wild cherries are often bitter and less fleshy than cultivated types. New trees may sprout from seeds dropped by birds or from root suckers.

Natural History and Ancient Wisdom

Wild cherries often grow in woodland understories and hedgerows. Their seeds are commonly spread by birds. The wood is valued for its strong, rich grain and is frequently used for veneers in fine furniture making. Its smooth finish polishes to an elegant deep brown tone.

Wild Cherry Tree Sapling

Wild Cherry Tree Wildlife Rating

Good

  • Spring blossom provides early nectar and pollen for bees and insects.
  • Fruits are relished by thrushes, blackbirds, and other birds.
  • Fallen fruit feeds mammals such as mice and badgers.

Wild Cherry Tree Good Points

  • Beautiful white blossoms make it a springtime highlight in any garden or woodland.
  • Wild type supports far more wildlife than cultivated, double-flowered varieties.
  • Compact enough for smaller gardens.
  • Berries attract birds and boost garden biodiversity.
  • Nicknamed the “Love Tree” because everyone loves it!

Wild Cherry Tree Bad Points

  • Susceptible to black fly which can curl and damage leaves (though rarely harms the tree).
  • Dislikes waterlogged soil and deep shade.
  • Exposed positions can lead to blossom loss from wind.
  • Improper pruning timing can lead to silver leaf disease.

Buy a Wild Cherry Tree

Tree2mydoor has been specialising in tree gifts for over 20 years. Our Wild Cherry Tree Gift is a stunning native sapling perfect for small gardens. Its breathtaking spring blossom makes it an ideal gift for weddings, christenings, memorials, and more. Surprise a loved one with a tree full of beauty, life, and story.