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 8–10Climate Temperate

Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — The Bitter Cherry (Prunus emarginata) is a North American native deciduous tree

Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — The Bitter Cherry (Prunus emarginata) is a North American native deciduous tree

Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — It grows to 15-30 ft tall and showcases lustrous

Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — Its small red cherries, though bitter, are wildlife-friendly, maturing in summer

Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — Suited for USDA zones 4-9

Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — it thrives in well-drained soils with full sun to partial shade

Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — and requires moderate watering

Culture

Sun: Full
Water: Low
USDA zones: 8–10

Shape & size

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

Classification

Family: Rosaceae
Climate: Temperate

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Photos (45)

Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — serrated leaves and clusters of fragrant

Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — The Bitter Cherry (Prunus emarginata) is a North American native deciduous tree

Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — It grows to 15-30 ft tall and showcases lustrous

Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — Its small red cherries, though bitter, are wildlife-friendly, maturing in summer

Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — Suited for USDA zones 4-9

Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — it thrives in well-drained soils with full sun to partial shade

Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — and requires moderate watering

Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — Ideal for naturalistic settings and wildlife gardens

Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — The Bitter Cherry, or Prunus emarginata, is a deciduous tree native to the western regions of North America

Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — It is an excellent choice for landscapes requiring a mid-sized tree

Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — Bitter Cherry produces clusters of dainty white to pinkish flowers

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) — which bloom before the emergence of its foliage

Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — each about a half-inch in diameter

Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — The leaves are oblong to oval

Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — The fragrant blossoms are a nectar source for pollinators, adding ecological value to your garden

Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — with finely toothed margins and a glossy green hue

Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — Prunus emarginata thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soils

Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — turning yellow to orange in the fall

Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — white flowers in the garden

Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — When incorporating the Bitter Cherry into a landscape design

Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — consider its natural growth habit and seasonal interest

Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — tree with white blooms

Bitter Cherry (Prunus Emarginata) — tree for full

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