Black Cherry vs Mongolian Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Black Cherry vs Mongolian Cherry

Prunus fruticosa

Prunus serotina

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Mongolian Cherry
Black Cherry

Mongolian Cherry is a hardy shrub that is often grown as an ornamental. This plant makes an attractive flowering hedgerow that requires little maintenance. The dark red cherries are tart and desirable for baking, wine-making, and canning. This shrub is popular with wildlife.

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.

Mongolian Cherry Quick Facts

Black Cherry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
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: clusters of white flowers
Flowers: white
Fruit: tart dark red cherry
Fruit: dark red
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


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