Vick, Albert F. W.
Prunus emarginata (Dougl. ex Hook.) D. Dietr.
Bitter cherry
Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Thicket-forming
shrub or small
tree with rounded crown, slender, upright branches, bitter foliage, and small, bitter cherries.
This is the most common western cherry. The scientific name describes the notched petals. As the common name indicates, the
fruit is not edible; like the
bark and leaves, it is intensely bitter. However, the
fruit is consumed by many songbirds and mammals and the foliage is browsed by deer and livestock.
Image Gallery:
2 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Tree Leaf: Green
Flower:
Fruit: Red
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Pink
Bloom Time: Apr , May
Distribution
USA: AZ , CA , ID , MT , NV , NM , OR , UT , WA , WY
Canada: BC Native Distribution: British Columbia, Washington, and W. Montana south to S. California and SW. New Mexico; to 9000 (2743 m) in south.
Native Habitat: Moist soils of valleys and on mountain slopes; in chaparral and coniferous forests.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Seeds contained in the bright red cherries are eagerly harvested by Evening Grosbeaks in early autumn.
Warning: The seeds of all Prunus species, found inside the fruits, contain poisonous substances and should never be eaten. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable be
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: Admiral, Azure, Swallowtail (larval), orange tip, elfin, and blue (nectar) butterflies.
Nectar Source: yes
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Prunus emarginata is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Last Update: 2007-01-01
