Cherries do not typically come from the same trees known for their abundant blossoms. While both belong to the Prunus genus, they have been selectively bred for distinct purposes: ornamental beauty or fruit production.
Understanding Cherry Blossom Trees
Cherry blossom trees, such as the popular Japanese varieties Prunus serrulata and Prunus × yedoensis (Yoshino cherry), are cultivated primarily for their stunning floral displays. These trees are prized for their beautiful flowers, which symbolize spring. Their blossoms vary widely in color, from white to various shades of pink, and can range from single to multi-petaled forms.
While cherry blossom trees do produce small fruits, these are not the edible cherries commonly consumed by humans. The fruit of ornamental varieties is typically small, black, and often bitter. These trees have been bred to prioritize an abundance of showy flowers rather than large, flavorful fruit.
Where Edible Cherries Come From
Edible cherries originate from specific species and cultivars of cherry trees intentionally bred for their fruit-bearing qualities. The two main types of edible cherries are sweet cherries (Prunus avium) and sour or tart cherries (Prunus cerasus). Sweet cherries, like the popular ‘Bing’ and ‘Rainier’ varieties, are typically eaten fresh and are known for their firm, juicy, and sweet flesh. These trees can grow quite large, sometimes reaching 35 to 50 feet tall.
Sour cherries, such as the ‘Montmorency’ variety, are smaller and more acidic, making them ideal for cooking, baking, and preserves. Prunus cerasus trees are generally smaller than sweet cherry trees, often growing to about 10 meters (33 feet) in height, and they typically have drooping branches. Both sweet and sour cherry trees produce flowers, but their blossoms are usually less showy and more subtle compared to those of ornamental cherry blossom trees, with the focus remaining on fruit development.
Key Differences Between Cherry Varieties
The fundamental differences between ornamental cherry blossom trees and fruiting cherry trees stem from centuries of selective breeding. Ornamental varieties, like Prunus serrulata and Prunus × yedoensis, have been cultivated to enhance floral characteristics such as bloom size, color, petal count, and overall display longevity. This breeding focus often results in trees that produce little palatable fruit, or fruit that is small and bitter.
Conversely, fruiting cherry trees, including Prunus avium and Prunus cerasus, have undergone selective breeding to maximize fruit yield, size, flavor, and disease resistance. Genetic variations within the Prunus genus allow for these distinct specializations. While both types of trees belong to the same Prunus genus and produce flowers, their genetic makeup has been guided by human intervention to serve different primary purposes: aesthetic enjoyment and agricultural production. This divergence means that while related, the trees known for their spectacular spring blossoms are generally not the source of the cherries found in grocery stores.