Also known as Bird Cherry · Cherry · Crab Cherry
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to pets. See toxicity details.
Prunus avium, commonly known as wild cherry, is a deciduous tree native to Europe, North Africa and Western Asia. It produces small, bitter cherries and is a parent speci
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruiting.
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers consistently moist soil but dislikes waterlogging.
Well-drained, fertile loam
50% intensity
Wide Range
50% intensity
Hardy in USDA zones 4-8, tolerates cold winters and warm summers.
Low
25% intensity
Requires minimal fertilization; benefits from organic compost in spring.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 4/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
The seeds, leaves, and bark contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Wild cherry prefers consistently moist soil, especially when young. Water deeply once a week during dry periods, allowing the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings.
Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. Mature trees are more drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional watering in extreme heat.
Prune wild cherry trees in late summer or early autumn to minimize the risk of bacterial canker and silver leaf disease. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
Light shaping can be done to establish a strong framework when the tree is young. Avoid heavy pruning, as it can be detrimental to the tree's health.
Wild cherry can be propagated by seed, which requires a period of cold stratification. Grafting is a more reliable method for specific cultivars, typically performed in late winter or early spring.
Take cuttings from healthy, mature trees; softwood cuttings are usually taken in early summer and hardwood cuttings in late autumn.
Repotting is typically relevant for nursery-grown young trees that are containerized. Repot in early spring before new growth begins. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one.
Ensure good drainage and use a well-draining potting mix. Water thoroughly after repotting to settle the soil.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Wild Cherry (Prunus avium)
Where Wild Cherry (Prunus avium) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
8 known issues from plant disease data
Cytospora canker on Sweet Cherry and Sour Cherry causes sunken dead bark, amber gum flow, and gradual branch dieback.
Armillaria root rot on Sweet Cherry and Sour Cherry causes poor vigor, yellowing leaves, branch dieback, and decline from the roots up.
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Prunus |
| Species | Prunus avium |
Similar in genus Prunus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
