This cherry tree (Prunus pensylvanica) is native to North America. A very hardy and beautiful tree adorned with golden lenticels on the bark that glint in the sunlight. It likes well drained soils and is tolerant of drought and road salts. The quality of the soil is a determinant of the final height of the pin cherry. They can attain heights of 15 to 50 feet. These cherry trees are short lived for 20 – 50 years.
It has many names that both describe its ecological and wildlife value. The first common name is Firecherry. The seeds of the Firecherry can lay dormant for decades on the forest floor and a disturbance like fire will burn the ground cover off and allow the dormant seeds to sprout. Fire disturbance is woven into the life requirements of firecherry where they require full sun to grow and are out in the open away from any other trees that might cast shade.
In fact, the Firecherry is considered an early successional or pioneer species. Pioneer species are important since these species help to enrich the soil by depositing leaves, twigs, and tree trunks onto the soil surface and rotting. Underneath, the roots loosen compacted soils, and sloughed off root hairs are composted. The roots take up water runoff and help stabilize soil, therefore preventing soil erosion in disturbed sites. Also, these early species act as ‘nurse’ trees providing shade and cover for upcoming hardwoods.
The other name for Pin Cherry is Birdcherry. The abundant berries produced by these trees are enjoyed by many bird species. When in bloom, the Birdcherry is covered in beautiful, white fragrant flowers from late May to June. Eventually, bright red cherries appear from July to September. As well, many butterflies use this tree as a larval host.
