Romeo Cherry vs Black Hawthorn - TreeTime.ca

Romeo Cherry vs Black Hawthorn

Prunus x kerrasis Romeo

Crataegus douglasii

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Romeo Cherry
Black Hawthorn

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 Hawthorn is a versatile plant that is native to wetlands and other areas with moist soils, but can also tolerate dry soils. This plant can be grown as a short shrub, or a tree reaching 30 feet tall.

Black Hawthorn is valued for erosion control and attracting pollinators. It also makes an attractive flowering ornamental that can be planted as a specimen or pruned as a hedge. It is commonly used in shelterbelts.

Romeo Cherry Quick Facts

Black Hawthorn Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: any
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium


Foliage: contains thorns
Fall colour: orange
Fall colour: yellow to red
Bark: brown to gray
Flowers: white
Flowers: white
Berries: medium sized dark red/black cherries best for making juice or fresh eating
Berries: purplish-black pomes
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, ON
Other Names: crataegus columbiana, douglas hawthorn, douglas' thornapple