Cherry trees, belonging to the Prunus genus, are globally celebrated for their spectacular, yet fleeting, spring floral display. Once the bloom concludes, the tree undergoes a rapid shift, transforming into a dense, shade-producing deciduous tree for the warmer months. This summer appearance contrasts sharply with the delicate beauty of the spring flowers.
The Post-Bloom Transformation
Immediately following the peak bloom, the tree enters a phase of rapid change. The delicate petals are shed in large numbers, often creating a visually striking “cherry blossom snow” on the ground below. This dispersal marks the end of the reproductive display. Simultaneously, the tree shifts its energetic focus from producing flowers to fueling vegetative growth. The small, nascent leaves that often appear alongside the flowers begin to expand quickly, moving the tree toward its summer state.
The branches, previously obscured by clouds of white or pink, quickly become covered in a full, green canopy. The transition from a floral spectacle to a leafy green form usually takes only a few weeks. This rapid change bridges the gap between late spring and the stable appearance of mid-summer.
The Dominant Summer Foliage
In the height of summer, the cherry tree’s appearance is dominated by its fully developed leaves. These leaves are typically simple, meaning they are not divided into leaflets, and possess an oval or ovate shape. Most varieties display distinct serrated edges. The color is a deep, rich green, providing dense shade throughout the warmer months. While mature leaves are dark green, new growth may sometimes exhibit a bronze or reddish tinge before hardening off. The surface texture is often smooth and slightly glossy.
The overall canopy structure varies by cultivar. Many common varieties develop a rounded, dense, and spreading crown, while others maintain a distinct vase-like or weeping habit. Beneath the canopy, the bark provides another identifier that remains visible year-round. Cherry bark is generally smooth, ranging from reddish-brown to a darker gray, and features prominent horizontal lenticels—raised, narrow lines that serve as pores for gas exchange.
Fruit Production in Summer
A secondary feature during the summer months is the development of fruit, which forms from the pollinated flowers. Botanically, these small fruits are classified as drupes, characterized by a fleshy exterior surrounding a single, hard pit or stone. The visual characteristics of these developing drupes depend heavily on the Prunus species.
Ornamental cherry trees, such as the widely planted Yoshino or Kwanzan varieties, typically produce very small fruits, often only a quarter-inch in diameter, that are usually bitter and not intended for human consumption. These fruits often change from a light green to a dark red or near-black color as they ripen in mid-to-late summer. Cultivated edible varieties, such as Prunus avium (sweet cherry) or Prunus cerasus (sour cherry), produce much larger, sweeter fruit that is typically harvested earlier. The presence of these ripening cherries adds splashes of red or deep crimson against the deep green foliage.