Prunus Avium - bird cherry

Prunus Avium, known as the sweet cherry or bird cherry, belongs to the Rosaceae family. This species is particularly valued because of its edible fruits and its importance in fruit growing. Prunus Avium originally comes from Europe, West Asia and Northwest Africa and was cultivated and naturalized in many parts of the world. The Prunus genus comprises around 300 to 400 species that are widespread in moderate zones worldwide. The sweet cherry plays an important role in commercial fruit growing and is often grown in private gardens.

Morphological characteristics

Prunus Avium is a deciduous tree that can reach a height of 15 to 32 meters. The plant has a wide, expansive crown and a smooth, red -brown to gray -brown bark, which is cracked with age. The leaves are egg -shaped to elliptical, 7 to 14 centimeters long and 4 to 7 centimeters wide. They are shiny dark green and brighter on the top. In autumn, the leaves turn into an attractive yellow or red.

The flowers of Prunus Avium appear in early spring, mostly in April before the leaves fully drive out. They are arranged in umbel -like torsching, have a diameter of about 2.5 to 3 centimeters and are colored white. Each flower has five petals and numerous yellow stamens. The flowers are very attractive to bees and other pollinators and play an important role in the ecosystem.

After flowering, spherical to heart -shaped fruits, which are known as cherries. They are 1 to 2.5 centimeters in diameter and turn red, dark red or black with ripe. The pulp is juicy and sweet in taste. The fruits contain a single, hard core that is not consumed.

Ecological claims and distribution

Prunus Avium prefers sunny locations and thrives best in profound, well -permeable and nutrient -rich soils. The plant is moderately dry -resistant and prefers alkaline to neutral soils. It is hardy and can withstand temperatures up to -20 ° C, which makes it suitable for cultivation in moderate climate zones.

The natural spread of Prunus Avium extends over Europe, West Asia and Northwest Africa. Because of its importance in fruit growing and its decorative properties, it is cultivated worldwide in moderate regions. Important growing areas include the USA, Canada, Europe and New Zealand.

Cultural and gardening importance

Prunus Avium has a long history of use in fruit growing. It is appreciated for its tasty fruits, which can be consumed raw or can be processed into jams, juices, cakes and other products. Different varieties were bred to improve specific properties such as fruit size, taste, harvest time and disease resistance.

In garden art, Prunus Avium is often planted as an ornamental tree, often because of its attractive flowers in spring and her colorful autumn color. The plant is well suited as a solitaire tree or in mixed plantings and contributes to aesthetic diversity in gardens and parks.

Care and increase

The care of Prunus Avium is relatively uncomplicated. The plant needs regular cuts to ensure optimal shape and health. This promotes a thicker growth shape and removes dead or damaged branches. The plant should be irrigated during longer dry periods to avoid stress. Regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer supports growth and fruit formation.

The propagation is mainly done by finishing on suitable documents in order to obtain certain variety features. The increase by seeds is also possible, but less common, since the resulting plants do not always have the desired properties of the mother plant.