Description
Wild cherry (Prunus avium) is found throughout the UK but especially on the chalk downs of the south of England. It mostly grows on the edges of woodland, in small copses or in hedgerows.
The bark is greyish-brown, smooth and glossy when young. Autumn leaf-colour can be spectacular with many shades of red, yellow and orange. The blossom also makes a magnificent show of pure white in spring just as the leaves are opening. The colour of the ripe fruit is quite variable on different trees, from yellow through brilliant scarlet to almost black.
How to grow cherry trees
Wild cherry is quick growing, reaching 8m x 5m in 10 years, 14m x 7m in 20 years and 20m x 10m when full grown. Young trees tend to be quite narrow and upright, but mature trees become wide and spreading.
Cherry trees are tolerant of most soil types, but need to be planted in full sun to encourage flowering and fruiting. They are best grown as a single specimen, or on the southern edge of a group of trees.
Wild cherries are safe to eat, but may not taste very nice.
Wildlife
The caterpillars of the large, striking, eyed hawk moth feed on wild cherry leaves and the flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and other insects. The cherries are juicy and sometimes sweet, and are favoured by blackbirds, song and mistle thrushes and blackcaps, together with badgers, squirrels, mice and voles.