One of our favourite native trees. The Wild Cherry tree Prunus avium has a glorious cloud of white blossom in spring, with late summer fruit giving a vivid splash of shiny purple-red through its green leaves. The autumn brings colours of orange and crimson -red giving a cheery glow as the days darken.

Wild cherries are an asset to a garden with the fruit loved by birds, and the spring blossom is a source of nectar for bees, insects and small wildlife. The small cherries make a delicious cherry brandy.

Plant in moist, fertile well-drained soil in a sunny and if possible sheltered position. Vigorous and easy to grow, Wild Cherry trees do need space growing to a height and width of approx. 12m x 8m

Cultivation: Parks, woodland open spaces and gardens

Soil: Moist well-drained fertile soil. Chalk, clay, loam, sand

Position: Full sun, south, west, east & north facing

Foliage: Deciduous with good autumn colour

Flowering: White blossom in late spring

Fruiting: Small red cherries in summer

Habit: Wild Cherry has a spreading, bushy of medium size

Hardiness: Fully hardy

Growth: Average

Benefits to Wildlife: Loved by all wildlife

Height & Spread in Maturity: 12m x8m