Wild Cherry


(Also known as gean cherry or sweet cherry)

Family: Rosaceae

Genera: Prunus

Species: Prunus avium

Native to: Europe

Grows up to: 32m

Lives up to: 60 years


Description: The easiest characteristic of a cherry tree to recognise all year round is its bark. It is a smooth purpleish-brown and has horizontal lines running round it known as lenticles. These lenticles provide a pathway for the exchange of gases between the cells on the inside of the tree and the outside world through the bark. Their leave. are ovoid and pointed, shiny-green above and downy on the underside, with a toothed margin. At the base of the leaves are two red glands. After the tree has flowered, it produces the familiar cherry fruit which contains a single stone which in turn contains the seed. The tree relies on birds and mammals to eat the fruit and disperse the seeds through their droppings.


Fact: This tree is the main ancestor of the cultivated cherry – the tree that produces the cherries we buy in shops. Archeological evidence suggests that humans have been cultivating the wild cherry tree since 800 BCE. Its hard, reddish-brown wood is also highly prized for making products such as cabinets and musical instruments.

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