Cherry trees are widely appreciated for their aesthetic appeal and fruit production, making them a recognizable feature in many landscapes and orchards. Their presence signals the changing seasons, from delicate spring blooms to vibrant fall foliage and ripe summer fruits. Understanding their distinct characteristics helps in identification.
Tree Shape and Bark
Cherry trees typically reach heights between 6 and 40 feet, though some varieties can grow up to 60 feet. Their canopy often forms an umbrella-like or broadly spreading shape, providing a wide crown. However, specific types like sweet cherry and black cherry may develop a more pyramidal structure, often growing taller. The trunk typically grows upright, with sweet cherry trees naturally developing a tall trunk.
Cherry tree bark commonly appears in shades of brown, gray, or reddish-brown. Its texture varies from smooth in younger trees to rougher or scaly with age. A distinguishing feature is the presence of horizontal lenticels, which are small, elongated markings across the bark. In some varieties, the bark may peel, revealing a darker, often mahogany-colored layer underneath.
Leaves and Branching Patterns
Cherry tree leaves are typically oval, lance-shaped, or elliptic, often tapering to a pointed tip. Their edges are consistently toothed or serrated. Leaf size usually ranges from 2 to 5 inches long, though some varieties can have leaves under 1 inch or over 7 inches in length.
During the growing season, leaves are green, with young leaves sometimes emerging with a reddish tint. In autumn, the foliage transforms into warm hues of yellow, orange, or red before dropping, as cherry trees are deciduous. Leaves are arranged alternately along the stems, meaning a single leaf emerges at each node along the branch, alternating sides.
Cherry trees have a branching structure characterized by upright scaffold branches that can grow horizontally or at a slant. Sweet cherry trees naturally show vigorous growth and branching in the upper parts of the canopy, a pattern that contributes to the tree’s overall form.
Seasonal Bloom and Fruit
Cherry trees are identified by their abundant blossoms, which typically appear in early spring, often between March and April in the Northern Hemisphere. These flowers are usually white or various shades of pink, though some varieties can produce yellow or green blossoms. Each flower commonly has five petals, but ornamental double-flowered types can feature 10 to 50 petals.
Blossoms typically grow in clusters, with multiple flower stalks originating from a single central point. In some ornamental varieties, blossoms emerge before leaves fully develop, creating a display of flowers on bare branches. The bloom period usually lasts for several weeks, depending on the variety and local weather conditions.
Following the bloom, fruiting cherry trees produce small, round, or heart-shaped fruits known as drupes. These fruits typically begin as pale green and gradually ripen through stages of pink, red, or dark red, eventually becoming black in many varieties. The ripening process generally occurs from late spring into late summer. True cherries are typically small, often less than ¾ of an inch in diameter, and hang in pairs or clusters where the flowers once were. Ornamental cherry trees, while visually striking, usually produce tiny, often inedible fruits.