Wild cherries are common trees found across various landscapes, often sparking curiosity about their edibility and potential dangers. Understanding which parts of these plants are harmful and how to identify the trees correctly is important for safety. Dispelling common misconceptions about wild cherries helps ensure informed interactions with these widespread plants.
Toxicity of Wild Cherries
While the ripe fruit pulp of some wild cherry species is safe for consumption, other parts of the plant contain harmful compounds. The leaves, stems, bark, and especially the seeds or pits, contain cyanogenic glycosides like amygdalin and prunasin. When damaged, chewed, or digested, these compounds release hydrogen cyanide, a toxin.
Wilted leaves are particularly dangerous, as wilting breaks down plant cells, releasing hydrogen cyanide. Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) and Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) both contain these toxic compounds. The fruit flesh of ripe cherries is safe, but ingesting pits, leaves, or other plant parts is dangerous.
Identifying Wild Cherry Trees
Recognizing wild cherry trees involves observing their bark, leaves, flowers, and fruit. Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) is identified by its mature bark, which has a scaly, plate-like appearance, sometimes described as resembling “burnt potato chips” with upturned edges. Younger bark is smoother and reddish-brown with horizontal lines called lenticels.
Black Cherry leaves are oblong to oval, 2 to 6 inches long, with finely serrated margins and a pointed tip. They are shiny dark green on top and paler underneath. Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) leaves are similar, oblong to oval, 2 to 4 inches long, with sharply toothed margins and minute glands on the petiole. Both species produce white flowers in elongated, drooping clusters called racemes in spring, followed by small, dark red to purplish-black fruits that ripen in late summer.
Symptoms and Emergency Actions
Ingestion of toxic wild cherry plant parts can lead to cyanide poisoning symptoms, which can range in severity. Initial symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness. Severe signs can develop rapidly, including difficulty breathing, weakness, excitement, dilated pupils, spasms, convulsions, coma, and respiratory failure.
If someone is suspected of ingesting toxic wild cherry parts, immediate action is important. Contacting poison control or seeking emergency medical attention is recommended without delay. The Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 is an available resource. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a medical professional.