Bitter Cherry Tree Views
Bitter cherry (Prunus emarginata) takes the form of a large shrub or small tree in parts of the Far West. Bitter cherry typically forms thickets along streams and wet mountain slopes, reports the United States Department of Agriculture. The fruit has a bitter taste but is suitable for the production of jams. Bitter cherry's eastern range includes such western states as Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada and Idaho. Bitter cherry also grows extensively through California, Oregon and Washington State.
Bitter cherry, or prunus emarginata, is a small tree that produces red, white or pink blooms and bitter fruits. The small fruit is extremely bitter to humans and inedible. The berries also contain trace amounts of cyanide, which can be fatal to humans. Birds, deer, squirrels, raccoons and other wildlife consume the berries without problems. Bitter cherry is natively found in wetland areas among dense forests. The fragrant blooms and pleasing appearance of the tree make it an excellent addition to any landscape.
Bitter cherry is also called pie cherry, tart cherry and sour cherry. Bitter cherries are fragile fruits that can be easily damaged after they become ripe. This requires special handling of bitter cherries as soon as they ripen on the tree and once they are harvested. Without the right handling, bitter cherries will bruise, turn brown or become infected with fungi that render the cherries inedible. Cherry harvest time generally falls in the middle of the summer in most areas.
The Bitter Cherry (Emarginata) is generally described as a perennial tree or shrub. This is native to the U.S. (United States) has its most active growth period in the spring . The Bitter Cherry (Emarginata) has green foliage and inconspicuous white flowers, with an abuncance of conspicuous red fruits or seeds. The greatest bloom is usually observed in the mid spring, with fruit and seed production starting in the summer and continuing until fall. Leaves are not retained year to year. The Bitter Cherry (Emarginata) has a long life span relative to most other plant species and a moderate growth rate. At maturity, the typical Bitter Cherry (Emarginata) will reach up to 80 feet high, with a maximum height at 20 years of 25 feet.