Prunus pensylvanica

Fire Cherry is a deciduous tree that is native to much of Canada and south to Georgia in the Appalachian mountains. In NC it is found in the mountains only. It grows in dry to moist clearings, open woods, woodland edges and disturbed sites. Its seeds sprout easily after a fire and can lay dormant for many years. In fact, it has its common name, Fire Cherry, due to its value as a reforesting agent after fires. It has another common name, Bird Cherry, that comes from the fact that birds use the fruits of this plant for food. It is a small narrow tree to shrub in form and may reach heights of 30 feet or more. This tree is generally short-lived around 20-40 years but is a high-value wildlife tree. It grows rapidly and has a shallow root system. The wood is not used commercially. This plant forms stands that provide shade for seedlings of plants with a slower growth rate. This plant will then die off, making room for the seedlings to grow.

Fire Cherry prefers well-drained, moist soils in full sun. It is very intolerant of shade. The clusters of white flowers in spring are showy as are the red drupes in summer and fall. The bark is also attractive with horizontal lenticels and may also peel in strips.

Fire Cherry Prefers cooler summers and would not do well in hot humid climates. It can be used in naturalized areas, meadows or open woodland sites for wildlife to enjoy. There are better trees to use for the home yard or garden especially in the Piedmont and coastal areas.

Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems:  The most common leaf disease is cherry leaf spot. Powdery mildew and rust can be a problem. The most widespread and commonly observed disease of pin cherry is black knot. Insects that attack pin cherries are leaf feeders, eastern tent caterpillars, fall cankerworms, and a web-spinning sawflies.