Ornamental cherry trees, belonging to the Prunus genus, are celebrated for their stunning floral displays and aesthetic appeal, particularly the iconic cherry blossoms of spring. These trees sometimes produce small fruits, leading people to wonder about their edibility and safety.
Are Ornamental Cherries Edible?
Ornamental cherry trees produce fruits, but they are generally not suitable for eating. The small, often globose black drupes are typically bitter, sour, or astringent, making them unpalatable. Unlike their cultivated edible counterparts, these fruits are not developed for flavor or size.
The focus in breeding ornamental varieties has been on creating showy, abundant blossoms rather than sweet, fleshy fruit. Consequently, the fruit produced by these trees is usually small and sparse. While birds and other wildlife often consume them, they lack the desirable characteristics that make culinary cherries appealing.
Safety Concerns and Toxicity
While the fleshy part of ornamental cherry fruit is not typically considered highly toxic in small amounts, significant safety concerns exist regarding other plant parts. The pits (seeds), leaves, and bark of Prunus species, including ornamental cherries, contain cyanogenic glycosides (e.g., amygdalin, prunasin). These compounds release hydrogen cyanide when metabolized, especially if the plant material is crushed or chewed.
Cyanide is a rapidly acting toxin that interferes with the body’s ability to use oxygen at a cellular level. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning range from mild (weakness, nausea, headache, dizziness, confusion) to severe (rapid breathing, decreased blood pressure, seizures, loss of consciousness, cardiac arrest), depending on the amount ingested.
Identifying Ornamental vs. Edible Cherries
Distinguishing between ornamental and edible cherry trees involves several key characteristics. Ornamental varieties, such as ‘Kwanzan’ or ‘Yoshino’ (Prunus serrulata), are primarily bred for spectacular, often large, double flowers in various shades of pink or white. They typically produce very little fruit, which is small, bitter, and not abundant.
Conversely, edible cherry trees, like sweet cherries (Prunus avium) and sour cherries (Prunus cerasus), prioritize fruit production. Their flowers are smaller, single, and often white or blush, appearing before or with the leaves. Edible cherry fruits are larger, sweeter, and more plentiful, developing into clusters of red, yellow, or dark-colored cherries. Ornamental varieties may be taller, while fruiting trees often have a more compact structure.
What to Do After Ingestion
If someone has ingested parts of an ornamental cherry tree, especially the pits, leaves, or bark, act promptly. Monitor for symptoms like weakness, nausea, vomiting, headache, or difficulty breathing. While an intact pit may pass undigested, chewing or crushing it can release toxins.
Contact a local poison control center immediately for guidance. The national Poison Control Center hotline in the United States is 1-800-222-1222. They provide specific advice based on the quantity consumed and symptoms. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a medical professional. Seek immediate medical attention if severe symptoms develop.