PRUNUS PENSYLVANICA / PIN CHERRY, FIRE CHERRY

PRUNUS PENSYLVANICA / PIN CHERRY

A Fast-Growing Native Tree with Bright Spring Blooms and Wildlife Value

Prunus pensylvanica, commonly known as Pin Cherry or Fire Cherry, is a short-lived native deciduous tree prized for its early spring white flowers, glossy bark, and bright red cherries. Often one of the first trees to colonize disturbed sites, Pin Cherry thrives in full sun with well-drained soils. Its rapid growth and heavy fruit production make it especially valuable for wildlife and restoration plantings.

Why Choose Pin Cherry?

Early Spring Flowers: Showy clusters of white blossoms appear before or with leaf-out.
Wildlife Friendly: Abundant cherries feed birds and small mammals.
Fast Growing: Quickly establishes in open and disturbed areas.
Ideal for Restoration: Well-suited to natural regeneration and habitat projects.

Key Features:

Foliage Color: Medium green leaves with fine serrations; yellow fall color.
Flower Color: White, borne in small clusters in early spring.
Fruit: Bright red cherries in early to mid-summer.
Bark Interest: Smooth, reddish-brown bark with prominent lenticels.
Height and Spread: Typically grows 20–35 feet tall and 15–25 feet wide.
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zones 2–6.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun.
Soil Requirements: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils; intolerant of heavy shade.

Specifications:

Plant Size: 20–35 feet tall, 15–25 feet wide.
Growth Habit: Upright deciduous tree with narrow crown; short-lived.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 2–6.
Flowering: Early spring.
Fruit Production: Early to mid-summer; highly attractive to wildlife.

Ideal Uses:

Wildlife Plantings: Excellent food source for birds and mammals.
Restoration & Reforestation: Ideal for disturbed sites and early successional habitats.
Naturalized Landscapes: Adds quick structure and seasonal interest.
Large Sunny Sites: Best suited for open areas with full sun.

Pin Cherry is an important early-successional native tree. Its fast growth, early flowers, and abundant fruit make it a valuable choice for wildlife gardens, restoration projects, and naturalized landscapes.