Species Pin Cherry
white flowers with white filaments and anthers, lime-green leaves and red-brown branches

Pin Cherry

Prunus pensylvanica

Pin Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica) is a small deciduous tree native to North America. It has a short lifespan of about 20 years, and grows to a maximum height of 25 feet. Its bark is smooth and red-brown, while its leaves are bright green and ovate with toothed edges. Pin Cherry blooms in the spring with white flowers, and is adorned with bright red fruits in the summer. The fruits can be eaten but are best used for jams and jellies. Pin Cherry is fast-growing, and makes a great ornamental or shade tree. Especially when planted in groups, this species will make a beautiful addition to any garden.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Cutting,Air Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

Full sun Partial sun

Soil:

Sandy,Clay,Rocky

Fruits:

red Fruits Ready In Fall

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Pin cherries require regular watering throughout the growing season, as they are extremely drought-sensitive. Generally, it’s best to water the plant deeply and thoroughly once a week, giving it about 1–2 inches of water. Water the soil around the base of the plant slowly and evenly, and make sure it’s soaking up to a depth of 6–8 inches. Avoid wetting the leaves as much as possible, as plants with wet foliage are susceptible to various fungal diseases. During periods of extreme heat or drought, it’s recommended to water twice weekly.

sunlight

Pin Cherries prefer full to partial sunlight, meaning they enjoy 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, they can tolerate some light shade throughout the day. When the weather is hot and humid, you may want to limit amount of direct sun and provide more shade around midday. The ideal times to provide the sunlight are from early morning to late afternoon.

pruning

Pin Cherry pruning should be done during the dormant season, typically from late fall to early spring. Pruning these trees should be done carefully and in moderation as they can easily become stressed and die back. Removal of branch stubs, crossing branches, and water sprouts should be a priority. Pin Cherry trees can be pruned to any desired shape, though they are round. Heavy pruning should be minimized or avoided. To keep the tree in a manageable size, remove no more than 25% of the total canopy structure each season. Doing so will also help reduce pest and disease problems. Thin out the canopy in several areas to allow for better air circulation and more sunlight penetration. Removal of any weak or dead wood should also be done.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Prunus pensylvanica (Pin Cherry) typically begins in July and continues through August.