Black Cherry vs Sour Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Black Cherry vs Sour Cherry

Prunus cerasus

Prunus serotina

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Sour Cherry
Black Cherry

Sour Cherry is a self-fertile and cold hardy cherry tree. Not to be confused with sweet cherries, sour cherries are the only cherries that are successfully grown in prairie climates.

Sour Cherry is ideal for cooking, preserves, or for making juices and jams, while sweet cherries are preferred for fresh eating. While we can't confirm claims of sour cherries medical benefits, studies have shown that sour cherries contain anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate sleep patterns.

Sour Cherry flowers emerge in April-May with fruit ripening in June-July. This variety prefers well-drained soil and does not like any standing water. If you're looking to create an inexpensive edible hedge, consider Sour Cherry.

This Sour Cherry is produced from seed and is not a clonally reproduced selection like the Evans, Rose, or Montmorency.

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.

Sour Cherry Quick Facts

Black Cherry Quick Facts

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Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 5 m (16 ft)
Height: 24 m (80 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 14 m (45 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: yellow to orange
Flowers: white
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Maintenance: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: low




Toxicity: bark and wilted leaves toxic to livestock
Other Names: mountain black cherry, wild cherry, wild rum cherry