Romeo Cherry vs Black Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Romeo Cherry vs Black Cherry

Prunus serotina

Prunus x kerrasis Romeo

Black Cherry
Romeo Cherry

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.

Romeo Cherry is a cold-hardy dwarf sour cherry. The dark red fruit are known for being sweeter than other varieties, often considered one of the sweetest dwarf sour cherries. It is typically highly productive, and the cherries are well suited to fresh eating, baking, and preserves. In the spring, beautiful white flowers cover the branches, adding ornamental value.

Romeo 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 Quick Facts

Romeo Cherry Quick Facts

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Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Fall colour: orange
Berries: medium sized dark red/black cherries best for making juice or fresh eating
Flowers: white
Flowers: white
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: low



Toxicity: bark and wilted leaves toxic to livestock

Other Names: mountain black cherry, wild cherry, wild rum cherry