Prunus emarginata

Common Names

Bitter Cherry, Oregon Cherry

Summary

Bitter Cherry is native to western North America from British Columbia to California and east to New Mexico and Montana. It is a deciduous shrub or small tree that often forms dense thickets in disturbed areas, open woods, moist woods, and riparian zones. Typical height ranges from 1–15 m tall, with smooth reddish-brown bark bearing horizontal lenticels; leaves are elliptic to obovate with fine teeth; white flowers appear in spring in clusters and are almond-scented, followed by red to purple drupes that are very bitter; reproduction occurs by seed and underground stems forming thickets.

Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils but tolerates poor soils and is drought-tolerant once established. It can spread by underground roots to form thickets; propagation is by seed with cold stratification of about 3–4 months, or by layering, suckers, or semi-hardwood cuttings. It provides wildlife habitat, with fruits eaten by birds and small mammals, and nectar for pollinators; bark is used in basketry and dyes derived from fruits and leaves; suitable for erosion control and restoration in naturalized landscapes, with hardiness zones 4a–8b.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3 ft 3 in-50 ft

Spread

10-20 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates partial sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained loamy soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

5.0–7.5

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Dark green

Fall Foliage Color

Gold foliage, Yellow to orange-red

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Medium

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, other pollinators, birds