Common names: PIN CHERRY, PINCHERRY, BIRD CHERRY, FIRE CHERRY
The flesh of the cherry is edible and can be used for jellies.
Latin name: Prunus pensylvanica L.f.
Type of tree: broadleaf (native)
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Bark (colour and texture): smooth; shiny; dark reddish-brown with conspicuous large widely-spaced orange powdery horizontal markings (lenticels) on mature trees
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Leaves (shape, size, etc.): lance-shaped; 3 - 10 centimetres long, gradually tapering to slender sharp tip; shiny; yellowish-green; often turning purplish-red in autumn; margins have uneven teeth
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Form: small tree; shrub on unfavourable sites
Height: 1 to 5 metres
Growth rate: medium/fast
Fruit and flowers: tassel-like cluster of white flowers appearing when leaves are half grown; bright red berries, 6 - 8 millimetres across; sour edible flesh ripening in late July to early September
Soil: grows best in well drained sites; usually found in areas recently cleared and along rivers in prairies
Limitations: intolerant of shade
