tree

Wild cherry

Prunus avium

Updated 4 Aug 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Wild cherry (Prunus avium) — a tree, for Full sun, Medium water.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun to partial shade
Watermedium

↑ Gives back

Mulch_biomassmedium
Nectarhigh
Pollenhigh
Fruitedible for wildlife and humans

Through the year

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND
emergenceBud break and leaf emergence typically occur after the last spring frost and when air temperatures consistently rise above 5°C.
floweringFlowering occurs after sufficient chill hours are met and air temperatures reach around 10°C, typically in early to mid-spring.
fruitingFruit development begins after flowering, with ripening occurring approximately 45-75 days later.
harvestHarvest season for wild cherries typically falls in July, depending on the climate and specific cultivar.
senescenceLeaf senescence and dormancy onset are triggered by the first autumn frosts and shortening day lengths.

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained
Nitrogen fixingNo
MycorrhizalYes
Accumulatespotassium, calcium
Soil textureloam, sandy_loam
Organic matterMedium
Compaction toleranceLow

Propagation

Methodsseed, grafting, budding
Difficulty2 / 5
Establishes in~3 yr
Stratificationrequires cold stratification
Self-seedingModerate
Divisionautumn

Wildlife & pests

Attractsbees, birds, butterflies, beneficial insects
Can host pestsaphids, cherry fruit fly, plum curculio, tent caterpillars
Can host diseasesbrown rot, cherry leaf spot, bacterial canker