Prunus cerasus aka Sour Cherry

Taxonomy

Genus Prunus Family Rosaceae Order Rosales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Prunus cerasus, commonly known as sour cherry, tart cherry, or dwarf cherry, is a species of Prunus in the subgenus Cerasus. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and West Asia, and closely related to the sweet cherry. The tree is smaller in size, reaching a height of 4-10 m, and has twiggy branches. Its crimson-to-near-black cherries, borne on shorter stalks, have a sour pulp that is edible. The sour cherry is divided into two main varieties, the dark-red Morello cherry and the lighter-red Amarelle cherry. This small deciduous tree can also develop into a shrubby, suckering thicket, growing up to 5m. It features thin, dark branches, shiny red-brown bark, and glossy deep green leaves. During mid- to late spring, it produces dense clusters of pure white flowers, followed by soft, juicy, sour cherries that can be red or black. It is one of the parents of the morello cherries. Sour cherry has been introduced to North America and New England, where it has a wide distribution. While its fruits are sour to eat, they have been found to elevate levels of melatonin, an important chemical in regulating sleep-wake cycles. Additionally, the bark of the sour cherry has been used by many Native American tribes to treat inflammatory problems like laryngitis. Prunus cerasus is believed to have originated as a natural hybrid between Prunus avium and Prunus fruticosa in the Iranian Plateau or Eastern Europe. It is a tetraploid with 2n=32 chromosomes. The smaller size and sour tasting fruit of Prunus fruticosa are thought to have been inherited by Prunus cerasus through hybridization and subsequent interbreeding, leading to the formation of a distinct species. To control the fruit production of the sour cherry tree, a hormone spray containing gibberellic acid or ethefon can be used to reduce or prevent fruiting altogether. Overall, Prunus cerasus is a valuable plant with its edible sour cherries and potential medicinal uses.

Common names

Sour Cherry, Dwarf Cherry, Morello Cherry

How to care for Sour Cherry

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Sour Cherry, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

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

Soil

Sour Cherry is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your Dwarf Cherry is thriving and blooming, choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still allow for adequate drainage and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great soil additives that will help to retain moisture and provide your Sour Cherry with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Make sure to mix these soil additives into the potting soil before planting and water the soil thoroughly. By providing your Sour Cherry with a well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, you can help to maximize its growth and keep it blooming.

Lighting

Sour Cherry requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Dwarf Cherry is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Sour Cherry grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Sour Cherry’s native range is S.E. Europe to W. Asia.

More info:
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