🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
The sweet cherry tree provides edible fruits enjoyed fresh, dried, or processed into jams, pies, and liqueurs. The wood is valuable for furniture making and smoking foods. Flowers attract pollinators. Cultivars are selected for fruit size, flavor, and disease resistance, like 'Bing', 'Rainier', or 'Stella'. The bark and leaves can be used to make tea, with mild medicinal properties.
Permapeople description
The sweet cherry, Prunus avium, is a fruit-bearing tree that is native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. It typically grows to a height of 15-30 feet, with a spread of 20-25 feet, and has a rounded crown. The leaves are oblong-shaped, with serrated edges and a glossy dark green color. The flowers are white or pale pink, with five petals, and appear in clusters in the spring before the leaves. The fruit, which is the sweet cherry, is a small, round drupe, with a smooth, dark red or black skin and a juicy, sweet flesh.
In terms of growing conditions, the sweet cherry prefers well-drained, fertile soil and full sun exposure. It can be grown in a variety of climates, but may require protection from frost in harsh climates. To cultivate the sweet cherry successfully, a grower may need to prune the tree to maintain its shape, provide adequate water and fertilizer, and protect the tree from pests and diseases.
The sweet cherry is edible and can be eaten fresh or used in a variety of culinary dishes. The fruit can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days or preserved by freezing or canning. The sweet cherry is also valued for its medicinal properties, as the fruit and leaves have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
In terms of its value for wildlife, the sweet cherry provides food for a variety of animals, including birds, squirrels, and other small mammals. It also provides shelter and habitat for these animals.
Botanical description
Prunus avium is a deciduous tree growing to 15–32 meters (49–105 feet) tall, with a trunk up to 1.5 meters (4 feet 11 inches) in diameter. The bark is smooth purplish-brown with prominent horizontal grey-brown lenticels. The leaves are alternate, simple, ovate-acute, 7–14 centimeters (2 3⁄4–5 1⁄2 inches) long and 4–7 centimeters (1 1⁄2–2 3⁄4 inches) broad, with a serrated margin. The flowers are produced in spring, grouped 2–6 together, each flower 2.5–3.5 centimeters (1–1 3⁄8 inches) diameter, with five pure white petals. The fruit is a drupe 1–2 centimeters (3⁄8–3⁄4 inch) in diameter, bright red to dark purple when ripe.
Companion planting
Cherries benefit from being planted near nitrogen-fixing plants such as clover and legumes. Avoid planting near black walnut, as it produces juglone, which is toxic to cherries. Good companions include daffodils, nasturtiums and other plants that attract beneficial insects.
Propagation methods
Propagation is typically achieved through seed germination (requires stratification), budding (grafting), and softwood cuttings. Grafting onto suitable rootstock is common for cultivated varieties to ensure desired traits.
History and traditions
Sweet cherry cultivation dates back to ancient times, with evidence suggesting its presence in prehistoric settlements. The Romans spread cherry cultivation throughout Europe. Cherries have been associated with symbolism representing sweetness, happiness, and good fortune in various cultures. Cherry blossom festivals are celebrated in Japan, symbolizing the ephemeral nature of life.
Usage calendar
Flowering occurs in April-May. Fruit ripens in June-July. Planting is best done in the dormant season (fall or early spring). Pruning is typically carried out in late winter or early spring, before bud break. Harvesting occurs when fruits are fully colored and easily detach from the stem.