Prunus avium - Wild Cherry

Phylum: Magnoliophyta - Class: Magnoliopsida - Order: Rosales - Family: Rosaceae

There are few sights more impressive than a row of wild cherry trees in full bloom in April. There are many cultivars and imported relatives, some with very large, showy blossoms and others producing very good cherries for eating. Wild cherry, also known as bird cherry, is very attractive when in bloom and its autumn fruits - when you are able to gather them before the birds do - are good to eat.

Growing to a maximum height of around 25 metres, and with a preference for lime-rich soil, Prunus avium grows with a neat rounded crown and a straight trunk - altogether a very neat and tidy tree.