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Close-up of the white flower and leaf of Prunus emarginata, Bitter Cherry tree. Another stunning Northwest Native Plant available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants Nursery in Portland, Oregon
The young form of a Prunus emarginata, Bitter Cherry tree. Another stunning Northwest Native Plant available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants Nursery in Portland, Oregon

Bitter Cherry

Prunus emarginata

  • Size at maturity: 30' tall, 20' wide
  • Canopy layer: small tree
  • Light requirements: full sun, part-sun/part-shade
  • Moisture requirements: moist to wet soil
  • Growth rate: medium
  • Special features: supports hummingbirds, wildlife favorite

The fragrant white flowers of the Bitter Cherry appear in the spring and are often visited by bees. The pollinated flowers develop into small (1/2”) red fruits with a single, hard seed inside. The fruit is not palatable for humans, but is favorite of birds, particularly the Cedar Waxwing. The grey or reddish bark has many horizontal pores, and was used as a basket material by the Northwest natives. (Portland Plant List, 2016)

 

Photo Credit 1: "Prunus emarginata" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Photo Credit 2: "Prunus emarginata" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

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