Carmine Jewel Cherry vs Black Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Carmine Jewel Cherry vs Black Cherry

Prunus x kerrasis Carmine Jewel

Prunus serotina

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Carmine Jewel Cherry
Black Cherry

Carmine Jewel Cherry is a cold-hardy dwarf sour cherry. It is typically highly productive and one of the first varieties to ripen in summer. It produces deep red, tart fruit that are well-suited for fresh eating, baking, and preserves. In the spring, beautiful white flowers cover the branches, adding ornamental value.

Carmine Jewel Cherry was developed at the University of Saskatchewan. It is recommended to grow dwarf sour cherries as a shrub rather than a small tree. The shrub form tends to bear fruit earlier and is less susceptible to winterkill.

Sour cherries are self-fertile; however, planting with additional varieties for cross-pollination can increase yields.

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.

Carmine Jewel Cherry Quick Facts

Black Cherry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 2.0 m (7 ft)
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: low


Toxicity: bark and wilted leaves toxic to livestock
Foliage: long, glossy leaves
Fall colour: orange
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Flowers: white
Flowers: white
Fruit: dark red
Berries: large dark purple cherries
Fruit size: 3.5g
Flavor: tart - best for pies and jams
Harvest: late July to early August
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


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