1. Native / Non-native Status
Native to the UK and much of Europe and western Asia.
2. Evergreen / Deciduous
Deciduous – leaves fall in autumn.
3. Appearance
Leaves: Oval to oblong (6–15 cm), with finely serrated edges and pointed tips. Glossy green in summer, turning orange, red, or purple in autumn. Arranged alternately.
Bark: Shiny reddish-brown, with prominent horizontal lenticels; often peels in shiny strips.
Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Masses of white, five-petalled flowers in spring, borne in clusters before or with the leaves. Fruits are red to black cherries, sweet when ripe in early summer.
Overall shape: A medium-sized tree with a broad, rounded crown and often straight trunk.
4. Typical Size
15–25 m tall; spread 8–12 m.
5. Habitat & Range
Found across the UK in woodland edges, hedgerows, and clearings. Prefers fertile, well-drained soils and sunny positions. Planted widely in parks and gardens.
6. Distinctive Features (ID tips)
Shiny reddish-brown bark with horizontal bands (lenticels).
White blossom in spring.
Red to black cherries in summer.
7. Seasonal Changes
Spring: Masses of white blossom.
Summer: Glossy green leaves and ripening cherries.
Autumn: Leaves turn striking shades of orange, red, and purple.
Winter: Bare twigs with shiny bark visible.
8. Human Uses
Edible cherries eaten fresh, used in jams, desserts, and liqueurs.
Timber highly valued for fine furniture, veneers, and joinery.
Widely planted for ornamental blossom and autumn colour.
9. Wildlife Value
Flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and pollinators.
Fruits eaten by birds (thrushes, starlings, blackbirds) and mammals (badgers, foxes).
Provides cover and nesting habitat for birds.
10. Fun Fact / Cultural Note
In folklore, wild cherry was associated with fertility and renewal.
It is the ancestor of most cultivated sweet cherry varieties.
The peeling red bark with pale bands makes it one of the most striking native trees in winter.
11. Planting & Care (Basic Instructions)
Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.
Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soils; tolerates clay, loam, and sandy soils.
Light: Best in full sun; tolerates light shade.
Watering: Water regularly for first 2–3 years; drought-tolerant once established.
Spacing: 6–10 m apart for specimens.
Aftercare: Mulch base to retain moisture. Protect young trees from browsing. Minimal pruning – best done in late summer to avoid silver leaf disease.
12. Good for Urban or Garden Setting?
Urban: Excellent in parks and streets for blossom and autumn colour; moderate tolerance of pollution.
Garden: Very suitable for medium to large gardens, especially for ornamental blossom and fruit. May be too large for small gardens.