20 Seeds Bitter Cherry Prunus emarginata Native Ornamental Tree

Bitter Cherry is a deciduous North American native tree valued for its frothy spring blossoms, glossy green foliage, and small bright red-to-black fruits that persist into fall. Its compact, upright habit and wildlife-friendly character make it a handsome choice for naturalized areas, hedgerows, and informal landscape borders.

The small, bitter fruits are best left for birds and small wildlife rather than fresh eating, though they can be cooked into jams, jellies, and preserves where their tart flavor is balanced with sweetener. The tree works well as a native specimen, a pollinator-friendly backdrop, or in reforestation and habitat plantings, offering multi-season interest from bloom to fruit to autumn foliage color.
Species: Prunus emarginata
Type: Deciduous tree
Plant_Habit: Upright, rounded canopy
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-draining, moist to dry soils; tolerates a range of types
Days_to_Harvest: Not applicable
Zones: 4-9
Germination: Cold stratification recommended before sowing
Sowing: Surface sow and press lightly into soil; do not bury deeply
Spacing: 15-20 feet apart at maturity
Notes: Native species; fruit is tart and best used in cooked preparations