Pin Cherry

Scientific name

Prunus pensylvanica

Description

The Pin Cherry is a large, deciduous shrub or small tree which is widespread across Canada which typically grows 12m. This species may also be referred to as Fire Cherry as this shrub can rapidly establish within an area following a fire. The Pin Cherry grows from a single, straight trunk with numerous branches creating a narrow, rounded crown. The bark is shiny, dark reddish-brown with large horizontal lenticels. Leaves are simple, 6 to 12 cm long and lance-shaped with finely serrated margins arranged alternately along the branches. During the fall, the leaves turn a bright red to deep purple colour. During the early spring, the Pin Cherry produces showy, small white flower clusters which give rise to numerous edible red berries resembling pin heads. These berries provide a food source to numerous song and game bird species, as well as small mammals. The root system of the Pin Cherry is shallow, with the roots growing laterally, making it an ideal species to address erosion and bank stability issues.

Planting conditions

Plant in full sun. Open woodlands or recently disturbed sites. Widely adaptable to various soil types, provided drainage is adequate. Flood- and shade-intolerant.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Any
  • Over 3m
• Moisture level:
  • Dry
  • Moist
  • Drought Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Clay
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
• Eco Zone:
  • 2a
  • 2b
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
  • 7b
• Plant type:
  • Shrub
• Height:
  • 12m
• Spread:
  • 3m