Russian Almond vs Black Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Russian Almond vs Black Cherry

Prunus tenella

Prunus serotina

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Russian Almond
Black Cherry

Russian Almond is a low maintenance, short, slightly suckering shrub. It is covered with attractive, bright pink flowers in early spring before its foliage emerges.

This hardy species forms dense thickets attracts wildlife. Russian Almond prefers full sun and well-drained soils, but can tolerate moist soils.

The nuts it produces are quite attractive but very small. They are bitter and possibly toxic in large quantities.

Check out our YouTube channel video of the Russian Almond here.

Black Cherry is common in eastern North America but a rare find elsewhere. This tree is shade tolerant and is often found in old fields, forest openings, and along fencerows.

The fruit is edible and is commonly used to flavor rum and brandy. It is also edible and often eaten fresh or used in wine or jelly. Black Cherry trees typically begin producing fruit when they are 10 years of age.

Black Cherry wood is a rich reddish-brown color and is strong, making it valued in cabinetry and woodworking. It is often used in reclamation as well.

The leaves can poison livestock as they contain cyanide derivatives and precursors. However, many have noted that deer still seem to browse their trees with impunity and birds and other animals eat the fruit when available.

Russian Almond Quick Facts

Black Cherry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: low


Toxicity: bark and wilted leaves toxic to livestock
Foliage: long, glossy leaves
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Flowers: bright pink
Flowers: white
Fruit: dark red
Nuts: small fuzzy nuts
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB
Other Names: dwarf russian almond
Other Names: mountain black cherry, wild cherry, wild rum cherry