Prunus avium aka Wild Cherry

Taxonomy

Prunus avium, commonly known as wild cherry, sweet cherry, gean, or bird cherry, is a flowering plant in the rose family, Rosaceae. Native to Europe, Anatolia, Maghreb, and Western Asia, this medium-sized deciduous tree produces pure white flowers in spring, followed by small red-purple cherries in the summer. The bark starts off chestnut-colored and becomes silvery with age, while the leaves turn a vibrant orange-red in autumn. With a diploid set of sixteen chromosomes, Prunus avium is widely cultivated in various regions and has naturalized in North America and Australia. However, it should be noted that all parts of the plant, except for the ripe fruit, contain slightly toxic cyanogenic glycosides. This early ripening sweet cherry cultivar is known for its abundant white blossoms and produces sweet and juicy dark red fruit. The cropping season typically occurs from mid- to late May, and the plant falls under pollination group 2. Although it has its benefits, it can also be invasive in the United States.

Common names

Wild Cherry, Gean, Bird Cherry, Sweet Cherry

How to care for Wild Cherry

Difficulty

Wild Cherry presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Wild Cherry should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

When growing Wild Cherry, it is important to pay attention to the soil type you are using. This plant is very sensitive to dry soil and needs a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still be well-draining and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great options to provide the Wild Cherry with the nutrients and moisture it needs. The added organic matter will also help the soil retain water and prevent the Wild Cherry from drying out too quickly. Before planting, make sure to mix compost or manure into the soil for extra nutrients. Also, make sure to water the Bird Cherry regularly, making sure to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. With the correct soil and watering regimen, the Wild Cherry will thrive and bring lots of beauty to your home.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Wild Cherry prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Wild Cherry is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Wild Cherry’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa and W. Asia.

More info:
Wikipedia