Sweet cherry - Prunus avium (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Toxic)

Sweet cherry

Also known as: Japanese Cherry , Mazzard, Massard

Sweet cherry is a well-known species to fruit lovers worldwide. This stone fruit varies in flavor from sweet to tart, depending on the specific cultivar. Sweet cherry is also used for lumber and is a preferred wood type for furniture.

Scientific classification

Species

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium)

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

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Toxic to Human & Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Tree

Plant Type

Early spring, Mid spring

Bloom Time

Late spring, Early summer

Harvest Time

6 m to 25 m

Plant Height

8 m

Spread

Green, Orange, Red

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Red, Purple, Black

Fruit Color

White

Flower Color

Red, Green, Brown

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring

Growth Season

Images of Sweet cherry

Distribution of Sweet cherry

Distribution Map

Sweet cherry has a wide native range that covers northern Africa and Europe to central Asia. This plant prefers to grow in open woodland habitats. Sweet cherry has been cultivated widely but has been listed as invasive in a handful of states in the United States.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Hedgerows, woods

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

The sweet cherry has been cultivated for thousands of years for its beautiful spring flowers, which produce a delightful sweet aroma. It is one of the first species to bloom, marking the beginning of spring and creating beautiful scenery. Because these trees grow so big, they typically are not cultivated in home gardens but are more often found in parks or along waterways. Sweet cherry companions include marigolds, daisies, and dandelions.

Symbolism

Love, Divination, longevity, harmony, sweetness

Name Story

Sweet cherry: As a fruit tree among the cherry species, it attracts crowds when it grows a tree-full of red cherries. Typically, the famous cherry fruits are cultivated from this particular species. For the reason that the sweet and fresh cherries are beloved by everyone, it is called the sweet cherry.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Sweet cherry, including the following common varieties :

Sweet cherry 'Bing'Sweet cherry 'Plena'Sweet cherry 'Rainier'

Toxicity

Sweet cherry contains cyanide precursors in all parts except its fruit. When ingested by humans, dogs, and cats, it converts to cyanide gas in the stomach causing severe symptoms and potentially death. Prompt veterinary care is vital for pets suspected of ingestion. Symptoms include vomiting, hyperventilation, convulsions, and rapid decline in health.

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Quickly Identify Sweet cherry

Alternative leaves with serrated edges and glands at base.

Clusters of 5-parted white flowers in small rounded arrangements.

Succulent drupes with yellow to red hues and large pits.

Vibrant green leaves, 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long with toothed margins.

Horizontal lenticels on grey bark with prominent ridges and furrows.

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Care Guide for Sweet cherry

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from temperate regions, sweet cherry thrives in well-draining soil with moderate watering, requiring water every 1-2 weeks. Once established, it shows drought tolerance. It enters dormancy in colder months, reducing water needs as metabolic activities slow.

Fertilize: For sweet cherry, use balanced, slow-release fertilizers in early and late spring for optimal growth and fruiting. Follow product instructions based on size, avoid over-fertilization, and conduct soil tests for precision feeding. Minimize fall fertilization and avoid contact with sweet cherry's trunk during application.

Pruning: Sweet cherry thrives with strategic pruning, including the removal of dead, diseased, or crossed branches to improve air circulation and sunlight access. Prune in late winter to reduce stress, enhance fruit quality, and prevent disease spread, fostering healthy growth and yield.

Propagation: Sweet cherry, a deciduous tree known for its fruit and ornamental value, thrives through careful propagation. Use healthy cuttings in late summer with rooting hormone in sterile medium. Ensure consistent moisture and warmth for rooting, and transplant carefully to protect new roots for strong growth.

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Images of Sweet cherry

Distribution of Sweet cherry

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Sweet cherry

Care Guide for Sweet cherry

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