3 Native Cherry Trees In Ohio (Pictures & Care Tips)
Ohio is a state that’s well-known for its love of cherry trees, with a wide variety of species flourishing in its fertile soil.
While the sweet and tart varieties of cherry are perhaps the most popular for commercial cherry production, several other types are equally deserving of attention. From the delicate pink flowers of the Pin Cherry to the dark fruit of the Choke Cherry and Black Cherry, these trees offer both beauty and utility in equal measure.
Their blooms provide a burst of color in the springtime, while their fruits can be used in a range of recipes or eaten straight off the tree.
In this article, I’ll walk you through some of the most common cherry trees in Ohio, examining their unique characteristics and traits.
So, let’s get started.
1. Pin Cherry
- Common Name: Pin Cherry
- Scientific Name: Prunus pensylvanica
- Mature Height: 10-30 feet (3-9 meters)
- Native/Non-Native: Native
- Flowers/Cones: White flowers, green cherries (drupe)
- Uses: Wildlife food source, jellies, cough medicines
The Pin Cherry is a little but spectacular tree that may be found throughout the eastern portion of the United States. It can grow up to 30 feet tall and has a single straight or crooked trunk with a thin crown.
The lance-shaped leaves are simple and bright green above and below, and the bark ranges in hue from gray to practically black. The tree is simple to identify thanks to its unusually long red fruit stalks that set it apart from other species.
The Pin Cherry blooms in the spring with stunning clusters of little 5-petaled white blossoms on a tall stalk, which subsequently convert into bright red cherries.
The cherries are edible and approximately 14 inches in diameter. They are delicious in jellies and were originally used to produce cough syrup. It’s worth noting that when the cherry ripens in late summer, they provide a large food source for nature, attracting birds and animals.
Wild Red Cherry, Bird Cherry, and Fire Cherry are other names for Pin Cherry. The name “Fire” relates to its rapid growth following fires, making it an important pioneer species capable of growing in dry soils, open hillsides, and fields.
Although it only lives for 20-40 years, it is a good addition to forests, offering a valuable food supply as well as excellent fall color.
2. Chokecherry
- Common Name: Choke Cherry
- Scientific Name: Prunus virginiana
- Mature Height: 15–35′ (4.5–11 m)
- Native/Non-Native: Native
- Flowers/Cones: Flowers
- Uses: Food source
Choke cherry is a native plant that grows primarily along woodland edges, fencerows, and along streams. It has multiple twisted trunks and an uneven crown with many lost branches. Choke cherry leaves are simple, oval, bright green, and have a fine-toothed edge. They range in length from 2 to 5 inches and are attached alternately.
The choke cherry tree blooms in the spring with white, five-petaled flowers that are half an inch in diameter and have an awful odor. These blooms form spike clusters that are 2 to 3 inches long.
The tree bears little, bitter cherries in late summer that are originally yellow-to-red and turn practically black when mature. They have a quarter-inch diameter and are hung in groups of 6 to 20.
Although choke cherries are exceedingly bitter and inappropriate for humans, some animals, such as birds, do not mind the flavor and consume them. Birds have been reported to disperse the seeds of these cherries.
The bark of the choke cherry tree is smooth and dark brown to gray. When scraped or crushed, it has scales and a foul stench. In the fall, the tree’s foliage turns yellow and reddish.
3. Black Cherry
- Common Name: Black Cherry
- Scientific Name: Prunus serotina
- Mature Height: 50-75 feet
- Native/Non-Native: Native
- Flowers/Cones: White flowers, clusters of small cherries
- Uses: Food and habitat for wildlife, wood for furniture and cabinets
The Black Cherry is Ohio’s largest cherry tree, reaching heights of 75 feet. This tree has a spherical crown and a consistently thick trunk with little tapering. The leaves are simple, lance-shaped, and lustrous dark green on top, with a light underside and a distinctive inward-curved tip that resembles a bird’s beak. The bark is dark reddish-brown to black in color and covered with huge, curled scales.
When mature, Black Cherry produces clusters of little green cherries that develop to reddish-blue or black. These cherries are edible, although their flavor is acidic. They provide a major food source for birds and other creatures. Cherry wood is also prized for its usage in furniture and cabinets.
Black Cherry is a native of Ohio and may be found all across the state. It is, however, vulnerable to black knot, a fungal disease that creates huge black growths on twigs and branches, resulting in dieback of afflicted regions.
The bark and roots of Black Cherry contain hydrocyanic acid, which is an interesting feature. This substance has been utilized in cough medications as well as flavoring. Despite this, the Black Cherry is a lovely and vital tree for Ohio’s biodiversity and habitat.
Native Cherry Trees In Ohio – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let me go through some of the most commonly asked questions about cherry trees in Ohio.
Do cherry trees grow in Ohio?
Cherry trees can grow in Ohio and in fact, Ohio is known for its cherry orchards, particularly in the northwestern part of the state. The three most common types of cherries grown in Ohio are Pin cherry, chokecherry, and black cherry. These cherries are usually produced in the northern and southern parts of the state where the climate is warmer and cooler depending on the cherry. If you’re interested in planting cherry trees in Ohio, choosing a variety suited to the local climate and soil conditions is important.
How do you plant cherry trees in Ohio?
To plant cherry trees in Ohio, choose a variety that thrives in the local climate, such as pin cherry, choke cherry, or black cherry. Choose a spot with well-draining soil and 6–8 hours per day of direct sunlight.
Plant the tree at the same level as it was in the nursery in a hole that is twice the size of the root ball. After planting, water thoroughly and keep watering frequently, especially during dry spells. To keep the tree’s base moist and shield it from temperature changes, mulch the area around it. To encourage growth and shape the tree, prune annually.
What are the commercial uses of cherry trees in Ohio?
Growing cherry trees in Ohio has several commercial uses. Ohio is renowned for producing cherries, especially tart cherries, which are used extensively in the food and beverage sector. They are frequently employed in the creation of wine, cider, and juice.
In addition to being used in the food industry, cherry wood from the trees can also be used to make furnishings, flooring, and ornaments. Many tourists travel to see cherry trees in bloom, which is another well-liked tourist attraction.
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Sources
The Regional Gardening team makes sure that the information in our articles is accurate by only using sources that are known to be trustworthy. Some of these sources are peer-reviewed journals from government agencies, well-known universities, and scientific research organizations.
- Trees Of Ohio, Division Of Wildlife
- Trees Of Ohio Field Guide, Book by Stan Tekiela
- Ohio Trees, OSU Extension Publications
- Native Plant Lists, Ohio Department Of Natural Resources
- Ohio Department Of Agriculture
- Gardening, The Ohio State University
