What is a Cherry Tree?
A cherry tree is a type of deciduous tree belonging to the genus Prunus, and originating in Asia and Europe. Some species of cherry trees, like the sweet cherry and the sour cherry, are available in the fruit section of stores. The genus Prunus also includes almond, apricot, peach and plum trees, so all these must be considered when trying to identify a cherry tree in the wild.
How to Identify a Cherry Tree?
When identifying a cherry tree, one should look for a few important characteristics. Firstly, the cherry tree’s height and spread should be checked. A cherry tree can grow as tall as 10 metres, depending on the species and environmental conditions. The tree’s branches should form a broad, symmetrical and rounded shape with a firmly rooted trunk.
The next factor to look for is the cherry tree’s bark. It usually has a greyish-brown colour, but it can also be as bright as a dark red. This bark is generally scaly and pitted, and often has black knots and icy patches, especially in older trees.
The cherry tree’s leaves should also be taken into account for identification. The leaves of a cherry tree are alternate, have toothed edges, and are oblong in shape. During the summer season, the leaves turn a shiny dark green, yet during the winter time, they turn red and yellow before falling to the ground.
The cherry tree’s flowers are also easy to identify. During the spring season, the tree will produce small white or pink flowers in groups of up to five. These flowers will eventually develop into edible fruits, depending on the species and the environmental conditions that the cherry tree is exposed to.
Classification of Cherry Trees
Cherry trees are classified into two main types, depending on their bladder-like fruits. Sweet cherry trees (Prunus avium) carry drupes as fruits, while sour cherry trees (Prunus cerasus) carry fleshy fruits with seeds inside. Each of these types of cherry trees have their own specific characteristics that can help with their identification.
Sweet cherry trees produce large, purple fruits with a firm, juicy flesh and yellow-green pit. Sour cherry trees bear smaller, red fruits with a sour, acidic taste and a large, dark pit.
In addition to these two main types, there are also a few other varieties of cherry trees. The English cherry (Prunus avium) and the Chinese cherry (Prunus persica) are also popular varieties. The English cherry has large, bright red fruits with delicate sweet flesh. The Chinese cherry has yellowish-red fruits with soft, juicy flesh.
How to Care for a Cherry Tree?
Caring for a cherry tree is essential for optimal growth. Firstly, cherry trees need plenty of sunlight and good air circulation, so they should be planted away from walls and other obstacles. These trees also need well-drained, humus-rich soil that is not too alkaline, with a pH level of 6.5-7.5.
In terms of care, cherry trees should be fertilised regularly with a balanced fertiliser. Pruning is also important for the cherry tree’s health and should be done annually, especially for young trees. This will help to ensure that the tree’s growth is healthy and vigorous.
Uses of Cherry Trees
In addition to providing delicious fruit, cherry trees have several uses. Their wood is highly valued both for furniture making and ornamental carving. It has a distinct reddish-brown colour and a tight grain, which makes it favourite among craftsmen.
In addition, cherry tree leaves contain several important nutrients that can be used for medicinal purposes. It has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of ailments such as pneumonia, fever, digestive problems and arthritis.
Importance of Cherry Trees
Cherry trees are also important for their ecological benefits. They provide a source of food and shelter for many species of wildlife, such as birds and small mammals. In addition, their showy flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which help to ensure the pollination of other plants in the area.
Lastly, cherry trees also act as a carbon sink. They absorb large quantities of carbon from the atmosphere, and their dense foliage helps to reduce air pollution levels. This makes cherry trees an important factor in the fight against climate change.
Cherry Tree Disease Prevention
Cherry trees are prone to several diseases, such as cherry leaf spot, bacterial canker and shot-hole fungus. To help prevent these diseases, one should keep the tree clean and healthy at all times. This involves removing dead or diseased branches and leaves, as well as cleaning up fallen fruits to prevent the spread of infections.
The use of fungicides can also help to keep the tree disease-free. However, it should be noted that fungicides can be harmful to humans and animals, and should only be used as a last resort.
Common Misconceptions About Cherry Trees
Many people are under the impression that cherry trees cannot withstand cold climates, but this is not true. Most cherry tree species can grow in a range of climates, as long as they are provided with adequate protection from the elements.
Another common misconception is that cherry trees require intense pruning to stay healthy. This simply isn’t true. Pruning is only needed occasionally, to remove dead or diseased branches, and to keep the tree’s shape.
Lastly, some people mistakenly believe that all cherry trees are pest-resistant. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Despite their hardy nature, cherry trees are vulnerable to pests such as aphids, caterpillars, scale and mites. Therefore, it is important to monitor the tree for any signs of pests, and to take the necessary action if any are found.
Conclusion
Knowing how to identify a cherry tree is important for those who want to enjoy the delicious fruits or make use of the tree’s wood. Taking the time to learn more about cherry trees, their identification and their uses can lead to a lifetime of enjoyment.
