How to Identify Cherry Trees: A Comprehensive Guide
Cherry trees, with their stunning blossoms and delicious fruit, are a welcome sight in many landscapes. But with so many different varieties and similar-looking trees, identifying a cherry tree can sometimes be a challenge. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key characteristics to look for, providing detailed steps and instructions to help you confidently identify cherry trees.
## Why Identify Cherry Trees?
Before we dive into the identification process, let’s explore why it’s important to be able to distinguish cherry trees from other species:
* **Fruit Identification:** Knowing you have a cherry tree means you can anticipate and harvest its fruit. This is especially important if you’re foraging or growing your own food.
* **Landscape Planning:** If you’re planning a garden or orchard, knowing how to identify cherry trees will help you choose the right species for your specific needs and climate.
* **Disease and Pest Management:** Different trees are susceptible to different diseases and pests. Identifying a cherry tree allows you to take proactive steps to protect it from potential problems.
* **Appreciation and Education:** Simply knowing what you’re looking at can deepen your appreciation for the natural world. Identifying cherry trees allows you to learn more about their unique characteristics and ecological role.
## Key Characteristics to Look For
Here are the key characteristics to consider when identifying cherry trees:
* **Bark:** Cherry bark is one of the most distinctive features. Look for smooth, reddish-brown bark with horizontal lenticels (small, horizontal lines or pores). As the tree matures, the bark may develop a peeling, papery texture, particularly on the trunk. Some varieties, like the Black Cherry, develop much darker, almost black, bark. Younger trees will generally have smoother bark.
* **Leaves:** Cherry leaves are typically oval or elliptical in shape, with a pointed tip and serrated (toothed) edges. They are usually a glossy green color and arranged alternately on the branches. Leaf size can vary depending on the species, but they are generally 2-6 inches long. Look for small glands (nectaries) on the petiole (leaf stem) near the base of the leaf blade. These glands are a key identifier for many cherry varieties. The fall color can range from yellow to orange to red, adding to the tree’s beauty.
* **Flowers:** Cherry blossoms are perhaps the most recognizable feature of these trees. They are typically white or pink, with five petals each. The flowers are often arranged in clusters or racemes (elongated flower clusters). Flowering time varies depending on the species and climate, but it usually occurs in the spring. Pay attention to the shape and arrangement of the flowers, as these can differ between species.
* **Fruit:** Cherry fruit is a drupe, a fleshy fruit with a single hard pit (stone) inside. The color can range from red to black to yellow, depending on the variety. The size and taste of the fruit also vary greatly. Sweet cherries are generally larger and sweeter than sour cherries. The presence of fruit is an obvious identifier, but it’s important to note that not all cherry trees produce edible fruit.
* **Shape and Size:** Cherry trees vary in shape and size depending on the species and growing conditions. Some are relatively small and shrub-like, while others can grow to be quite large. The overall shape can be upright and columnar, spreading and rounded, or weeping. Consider the tree’s overall structure as part of your identification process.
* **Twigs and Buds:** Cherry twigs are usually slender and reddish-brown in color. The buds are often clustered at the tips of the twigs and are covered in overlapping scales. Examine the shape and arrangement of the buds, as these can provide clues to the tree’s identity.
## Step-by-Step Identification Guide
Follow these steps to identify cherry trees:
**Step 1: Observe the Bark**
* **Examine the color and texture:** Is the bark smooth, reddish-brown, and shiny? Does it have horizontal lenticels? Does it peel in papery layers? Note any distinct characteristics.
* **Consider the age of the tree:** Younger trees will typically have smoother bark than older trees.
* **Compare to images:** Search online for images of cherry tree bark to compare with what you’re seeing. Focus on different species like Black Cherry, which has distinctly dark bark.
**Step 2: Examine the Leaves**
* **Observe the shape and size:** Are the leaves oval or elliptical? How long are they? Measure a few leaves to get an accurate measurement.
* **Check the edges:** Are the edges serrated? Are the teeth fine or coarse?
* **Look for glands:** Examine the petiole (leaf stem) for small glands near the base of the leaf blade. These are a key indicator of cherry trees.
* **Note the arrangement:** Are the leaves arranged alternately on the branches?
* **Consider the fall color:** If it’s autumn, note the color of the leaves.
**Step 3: Examine the Flowers (if present)**
* **Observe the color:** Are the flowers white or pink?
* **Count the petals:** Cherry blossoms typically have five petals.
* **Note the arrangement:** Are the flowers arranged in clusters or racemes?
* **Pay attention to the shape:** Are the petals rounded or pointed?
* **Consider the flowering time:** When does the tree typically bloom in your area?
**Step 4: Examine the Fruit (if present)**
* **Observe the color:** Is the fruit red, black, or yellow?
* **Note the size and shape:** Is the fruit small and round, or larger and more elongated?
* **Taste the fruit (if possible):** Is the fruit sweet or sour? **(Important: Be 100% sure you have correctly identified the fruit before tasting it. If you are unsure, do not taste it!)**
* **Examine the pit:** How large is the pit? Is it smooth or ridged?
**Step 5: Consider the Overall Shape and Size of the Tree**
* **Observe the overall shape:** Is the tree upright and columnar, spreading and rounded, or weeping?
* **Estimate the height and width:** How tall is the tree? How wide is the crown?
* **Compare to mature tree sizes:** Research the typical size of different cherry tree species to see if the size is consistent with your observations.
**Step 6: Examine the Twigs and Buds (Winter Identification)**
* **Observe the color and texture of the twigs:** Are they reddish-brown and smooth?
* **Examine the buds:** Are they clustered at the tips of the twigs? Are they covered in overlapping scales? Note the shape and color of the buds.
* **Look for spurs:** Some cherry trees have short, stubby side branches called spurs, where fruit and flowers are produced.
**Step 7: Use a Field Guide or Online Resources**
* **Consult a reliable field guide:** A good field guide will provide detailed descriptions and illustrations of different cherry tree species.
* **Use online resources:** Websites like the USDA Plants Database and university extension websites offer valuable information and images for identifying trees.
* **Take photos:** Take photos of the bark, leaves, flowers, and fruit to compare with images in field guides and online resources.
**Step 8: Consult with an Expert (If Needed)**
* **Contact a local arborist or botanist:** If you’re still unsure about the identity of a tree, consider consulting with a professional.
* **Reach out to your local cooperative extension office:** They often have experts who can help you identify trees in your area.
## Common Cherry Tree Species and Their Identifying Characteristics
Here’s a brief overview of some common cherry tree species and their key identifying characteristics:
* **Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium):** This is the most common type of cherry tree grown for its fruit. It has smooth, reddish-brown bark with prominent lenticels. The leaves are oval and glossy green. The flowers are white and arranged in clusters. The fruit is large, sweet, and typically red or dark red. The tree is generally large and upright.
* **Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus):** Sour cherry trees are smaller than sweet cherry trees and have a more spreading habit. The bark is similar to sweet cherry, but may be slightly darker. The leaves are oval and glossy green. The flowers are white and arranged in clusters. The fruit is smaller than sweet cherry, sour, and typically bright red.
* **Black Cherry (Prunus serotina):** Black cherry is a native North American species. It has dark, almost black, bark that becomes rough and scaly with age. The leaves are oblong-lanceolate and glossy green. The flowers are white and arranged in racemes. The fruit is small, black, and slightly bitter. The tree can grow to be quite large.
* **Japanese Flowering Cherry (Prunus serrulata):** This species is grown primarily for its ornamental value. It has smooth, reddish-brown bark with horizontal lenticels. The leaves are oval and serrated. The flowers are pink or white and arranged in showy clusters. The fruit is small and black. There are many different cultivars of Japanese flowering cherry, with varying flower colors and forms.
* **Pin Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica):** Pin cherry is a small, fast-growing tree. It has smooth, reddish-brown bark with horizontal lenticels. The leaves are lanceolate and serrated. The flowers are white and arranged in clusters. The fruit is small, red, and sour. It is often found in disturbed areas.
## Common Look-Alikes and How to Distinguish Them
Several other trees can resemble cherry trees, making identification more challenging. Here are some common look-alikes and how to distinguish them:
* **Plum Trees (Prunus spp.):** Plum trees are closely related to cherry trees and share many similar characteristics. However, plum trees typically have smoother bark and lack the prominent lenticels found on cherry trees. Plum leaves also tend to be slightly smaller and rounder than cherry leaves. Plum fruit is generally larger and more elongated than cherry fruit.
* **Apple Trees (Malus spp.):** Apple trees can sometimes be confused with cherry trees, especially when in bloom. However, apple trees have rougher bark and more rounded leaves. Apple blossoms also have a slightly different shape than cherry blossoms, with a more open and cup-shaped appearance. Apple fruit is, of course, much larger and different in texture than cherry fruit.
* **Serviceberry Trees (Amelanchier spp.):** Serviceberry trees have smooth, gray bark and oval leaves. The flowers are white and arranged in racemes, similar to cherry blossoms. However, serviceberry leaves have finer teeth than cherry leaves, and the bark lacks the prominent lenticels. Serviceberry fruit is small, red to purple, and has a different taste and texture than cherry fruit.
* **Mountain Ash Trees (Sorbus spp.):** Mountain ash trees have pinnately compound leaves (leaves made up of multiple leaflets), which are very different from the simple leaves of cherry trees. Mountain ash trees also have clusters of bright red or orange berries, which are very different from cherry fruit.
## Tips for Accurate Identification
* **Observe multiple characteristics:** Don’t rely on just one characteristic to identify a cherry tree. Consider all of the key features, including the bark, leaves, flowers, fruit, shape, and size.
* **Compare to known examples:** If possible, compare the tree you’re trying to identify to known examples of cherry trees in your area.
* **Use a field guide or online resources:** Consult reliable resources to help you narrow down the possibilities.
* **Take your time:** Don’t rush the identification process. Take your time to carefully observe all of the details.
* **Practice:** The more you practice identifying trees, the better you’ll become at it.
## Conclusion
Identifying cherry trees can be a rewarding experience that deepens your connection to the natural world. By following the steps and instructions in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to confidently identify these beautiful and useful trees. Remember to observe multiple characteristics, consult reliable resources, and take your time. Happy tree identifying!