Cherry trees belong to the genus Prunus, a large group of woody plants. Accurate identification depends on observing a combination of structural features, as no single characteristic is unique across all species. To distinguish a cherry from other stone fruit relatives, one must systematically examine the bark, foliage, and reproductive parts. This approach allows for a reliable determination, regardless of the season.
Key Indicators of Cherry Bark and Tree Structure
The bark of a cherry tree offers some of the most consistent clues for identification, especially during the winter months when leaves are absent. A defining feature across many Prunus species is the presence of prominent horizontal lines, known as lenticels, which function as pores for gas exchange. These lenticels appear as distinct, elongated dashes circling the trunk and are particularly noticeable on younger, smoother bark.
As the tree matures, the bark texture changes significantly, often transitioning from a smooth, glossy surface to one that is fissured and rough. Some species develop chestnut-colored bark that can peel horizontally in strips, while others are known for dark, scaly bark often described as resembling burnt potato chips. Most cherries are medium-sized trees, featuring a relatively straight trunk supporting a rounded or spreading crown. Observing the transition from smooth, horizontally marked young bark to the more textured bark of the lower trunk is highly informative for a positive identification.
Defining Features of Cherry Leaves and Twigs
Cherry leaves are simple, meaning they are undivided, and alternate along the stem rather than growing directly opposite each other. The typical cherry leaf is oval to oblong in shape with a finely serrated, or toothed, margin and a pointed tip. While the precise shape and serration can vary between species, their arrangement and general form are consistent hallmarks of the genus.
A more specific and often overlooked feature is the presence of small, reddish glands located on the petiole, which is the small stalk connecting the leaf blade to the twig. These nectaries, positioned near the base of the leaf, are tiny structures that can sometimes be mistaken for insect eggs but are a characteristic physical marker for many cherry species. Their presence can help differentiate a cherry from other trees with similar-looking simple, toothed leaves.
Another highly specific test involves the twigs, which can be examined year-round. When a young cherry twig or a piece of bark is scraped or crushed, it releases a distinct, sharp scent reminiscent of bitter almond. This aromatic signature results from the breakdown of compounds within the plant’s tissues. This unique, potent odor is one of the most reliable field indicators for identifying a cherry tree, even without leaves or fruit present.
Seasonal Confirmation Through Flowers and Fruit
The appearance of flowers offers a definitive, though seasonal, confirmation of cherry identity. Cherry blossoms generally feature five petals, five sepals, and numerous stamens, appearing in shades of white or pink. These flowers are often borne in clusters, known as corymbs or racemes, which emerge either before the leaves fully unfurl or concurrently with them in early spring.
The arrangement of the flowers is helpful for distinguishing cherries from other stone fruits. True cherries typically have flowers in small, umbrella-like clusters on short stems. This presentation differs from the elongated, drooping chains of flowers or the solitary blooms of a peach. The showiness of the flowers has led to the cultivation of numerous ornamental varieties prized solely for their floral display.
The fruit of a cherry tree is a drupe, commonly called a stone fruit, characterized by a fleshy outer layer surrounding a single, hard pit. Cherry drupes are typically small and globular, with the central pit being relatively smooth and not flattened or grooved. This smooth, round stone shape reliably separates cherries from plums, which generally have flattened stones with a noticeable groove.