How to Identify Cherry Wood Tree
A cherry wood tree produces fruit with a waxy, dark-colored, red-hued skin, known as cherries. Recognizing these trees growing in the wild or in gardens isn’t difficult, as long as you know what to look for. Cherry trees are evergreens, or trees that keep their leaves all year long, making them easy to spot in temperate climates like the United States.
Cherry trees can grow to between 40 and 50 feet in height, with a smooth, grayish-brown bark, and a long, slender trunk that divides into several ascending branches. The leaves are oval-shaped, feathery, and come in a light to dark green hue depending on the variety. The bright red fruit hangs in small to medium-sized clusters on the ends of the branches towards the bottom of the trees.
Cherry wood trees often have small, slender growths, referred to as knobs or burrs, that cover their bark. These are evidence that fungus has taken hold and should be carefully assessed by an expert. If the tree is severely infected, it might be best to remove it from the site as soon as possible.
Cherries are fragrant and sweet-smelling when ripe, and the perfect time for harvesting is when the fruit is a deep, glossy red. To test for ripeness, skin the fruit lightly with your fingernail and smell or taste the sweet interior. The best way to test the ripeness of cherries is to pick one off the tree and consume it. If it’s ripe, it will be sweet and juicy.
The shape of the cherries is distinct, with a long, slender petiole or stem attached to the fruit, which sits in a thick, conical-shaped receptacle. At the base of the fruit, a distinctive small spot is also visible.
Most cherry trees bloom in the spring, with vast clouds of stunning white or pale pink blossoms. This is a fantastic time to identify a cherry tree, as their blooms are eye-catching and hard to miss. However, some breeds of cherries, such as those that produce sour cherries, don’t blossom with flowers.
Aside from physical characteristics, your nose can also help you recognize a cherry wood tree. Sweetly fragranced cherries attract bees and other pollinators in droves, so a buzzing sound close to the tree may be an indicator that you have found your target.
Identifying Different Species of Cherry Trees
Cherry trees belong to the genus Prunus, and there are over 400 species of the plant. Different species of cherries produce different kinds of fruit. Some cherries are sweet, while others are tart. The bark, leaves, and fruit color may also vary by species. One of the most common species of cherry tree is the black cherry (Prunus serotina) tree, followed by the Montmorency cherry (Prunus cerasus), and the red cherry (Prunus avium).
The black cherry tree grows up to 80 feet tall and can be identified by its smooth bark, which is speckled with lenticels. Its leaves are a deep green color and its fruit is a deep, glossy purple when ripe. It grows in temperate climates and is commonly used as a commercial tree, making it one of the most harvested varieties of cherry.
The Montmorency cherry is a smaller tree, growing to around 30 feet in height and bearing fruit with a waxy, red-hued skin. They are especially popular for their tart flavor, and are often used in jams, juices, and pies. They tend to be less heavily harvested than other species, as their delicate nature makes them difficult to store.
The red cherry tree is perhaps the most well-known variety, with an upright trunk and a broad, open crown of branches at the top. It produces large, dark red fruit with a sweet flavor, popular in pies and jams. Red cherry trees are the most commonly grown species of cherry tree and the type most likely to be seen in home gardens and orchards.
Common Problems with Cherry Trees
Cherry trees are highly susceptible to insect infestations, diseases, and other environmental issues. Insects such as aphids, moths, caterpillars, and thrips can affect the health of the tree, sucking the sap from the leaves and fruit, creating a sticky honeydew substance that traps growing fungal infections.
Fungi like the black knot fungus can also affect a cherry tree, weakening the structure of the branches and causing the leaves and fruit to become discolored or die. Fungal and viral infections are easily transmitted between trees, so it’s important to inspect your tree regularly and to remove any damaging growths as soon as possible.
Cold temperatures and low humidity can cause a cherry tree to be stunted and have poor fruit production, so it’s important to plant your tree in a sheltered spot and take care to protect it from extreme conditions. If a cherry tree’s water intake is not managed properly, it can suffer from waterlogging, meaning the roots will become water-logged, preventing oxygen from reaching the roots and leading to a premature death.
Cherry trees require a lot of attention in order to remain healthy and productive, so it’s important to understand how to care for your tree appropriately. It’s best to consult a tree care professional if you have any questions.
Preserving Cherry Wood
Cherry wood is highly valued as a timber for furniture, flooring, and other items that require a softer, less-sturdy wood. It is particularly favored for its deep color and beauty, as well as its malleability and resistance to splintering. It is best to preserve the cherry wood if you plan to use it for furniture or other items that require a more stable form of wood.
The best way to preserve cherry wood is to dry it slowly, as this helps prevent it from warping or cracking as the wood ages. The wood should be cut into usable pieces, wetted with a hot water solution, and stored in a dry, airy place until the moisture content reduces to around 12%. The wood should then be sealed with a clear varnish or wax to further protect it from the elements.
Using cherry wood for woodworking projects can be highly rewarding, as its aesthetic and structural qualities make it beloved by crafters and woodworkers. To get the most out of your cherry wood, it is essential to properly identify it, as well as to store and care for it correctly.
Uses and Benefits of Cherry Trees
Cherry trees are renowned for their delicious fruit, but they are also beneficial in other ways. The bark of some cherry species is said to be able to treat various ailments, including digestive issues and sore throat. A medicinal tea made from the leaves, bark, and roots can also help to reduce inflammation in the body.
In addition to their medicinal uses, cherry trees are also favored as ornamental landscaping plants. Their fragrant blossoms and bright, dark fruit can provide a vivid splash of color when planted in gardens or yards. Even in urban environments, cherry trees can bring a sense of calm and beauty, making them a popular choice for adding a touch of nature to busy, crowded city streets.
Cherry trees can also provide a welcome habitat for local birds, as well as other wildlife, offering protection and providing nourishing food sources. Planting a cherry tree can help to preserve biodiversity, with birds and animals relying on their fruit for sustenance.
Conclusion
Identifying a cherry wood tree is relatively straightforward, as long as you know what characteristics to look for. With their distinctive leaves, bark, and sweet-smelling fruit, cherry trees are difficult to miss. Different species of cherry may have differences in appearance and flavor, so it pays to have an expert assess the tree and identify its exact species.
Cherry wood is a highly prized timber, used for woodworking and furniture crafting. To ensure that your cherry wood stays in usable condition and retains its beauty, it’s important to store and preserve it correctly. In addition to its appeal as a timber, cherry trees can also offer us a range of medicinal benefits, as well as providing a welcome habitat and food source for native wildlife.
