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Bitter Cherry

Prunus Emarginata

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Overview

The Bitter Cherry (Prunus emarginata) is a North American native deciduous tree. It grows to 15-30 ft tall and showcases lustrous, serrated leaves and clusters of fragrant, white flowers in spring. Its small red cherries, though bitter, are wildlife-friendly, maturing in summer. Suited for USDA zones 4-9, it thrives in well-drained soils with full sun to partial shade, and requires moderate watering. Ideal for naturalistic settings and wildlife gardens.

Sun FullWater LowZones 8–10Type TreeClimate Temperate
Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — as it generally reaches between 15 to 30 feet in height with a spread of up to 20 feet at maturity
Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — The leaves are oblong to oval; each about a half-inch in diameterBitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — turning yellow to orange in the fallBitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — The Bitter Cherry (Prunus emarginata) is a North American native deciduous tree; its small red cherries, though bitter, areBitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — it thrives in well-drained soils with full sun to partial shadeBitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — When incorporating the Bitter Cherry into a landscape design; with finely toothed margins and a glossy green hueBitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — with finely toothed margins and a glossy green hue+58

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Low
USDA zones
8–10

Shape & size

Mature height
6–20 Ft.
Mature width
6–15 Ft.

Classification

Type
Tree
Family
Rosaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (65)

Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — as it generally reaches between 15 to 30 feet in height with a spread of up to 20 feet at maturity
Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — The leaves are oblong to oval; each about a half-inch in diameter
Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — turning yellow to orange in the fall
Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — The Bitter Cherry (Prunus emarginata) is a North American native deciduous tree; its small red cherries, though bitter, are
Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — it thrives in well-drained soils with full sun to partial shade
Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — When incorporating the Bitter Cherry into a landscape design; with finely toothed margins and a glossy green hue
Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — with finely toothed margins and a glossy green hue
Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — and requires moderate watering
Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — which bloom before the emergence of its foliage; tree with white blooms
Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — Prunus emarginata thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soils; it is an excellent choice for
Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — It grows to 15-30 ft tall and showcases lustrous; as it generally reaches between 15 to 30 feet in height with a spread of
Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — The Bitter Cherry (Prunus emarginata) is a North American native deciduous tree
Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — tree for full
Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — The Bitter Cherry, or Prunus emarginata, is a deciduous tree native to the western regions of North America; bitter Cherry
Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — with finely toothed margins and a glossy green hue; when incorporating the Bitter Cherry into a landscape design
Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — Suited for USDA zones 4-9; ideal for naturalistic settings and wildlife gardens
Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — Ideal for naturalistic settings and wildlife gardens
Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — turning yellow to orange in the fall; serrated leaves and clusters of fragrant
Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — serrated leaves and clusters of fragrant; turning yellow to orange in the fall
Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — Prunus emarginata thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soils
Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — it thrives in well-drained soils with full sun to partial shade; the fragrant blossoms are a nectar source for pollinators
Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — each about a half-inch in diameter
Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — Suited for USDA zones 4-9
Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — The leaves are oblong to oval
Photographs by 9 contributors

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