![](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/species/merisier1.jpg?d=128x128)Wild Cherry: its importance, use and symbolism ============================================== Wild cherry is a remarkable tree from the Rosaceae family that naturally contributes to biodiversity and has a unique symbolism ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ### Wild cherry Prunus avium is commonly known as **wild cherry** but also sometimes goes under the name **bird cherry**, because its berries are a favoured food of birds. When the birds eat the red berries, that turn dark reed when they're ripe, the birds unknowingly disperse the seeds when they defecate. Bird cherries are native to Europe, West Asia, and North Africa. In Europe, wild cherries date back to the Neolithic period, as proven by archaeological discoveries. The flesh of the fruit is sugary, but can be bitter. Wild cherries were harvested throughout the Neolithic and Bronze Ages in Central Europe. From the 4th century BC, cherry trees have been cultivated for their fruit which is still used today to make the liquor Kirsch. Plus, their flowers are very insect-friendly, as bees love the nectar of the flowers. [ Become a Tree Owner ](https://ecotree.green/en/treeshop) ### Why EcoTree plants wild cherry We plant wild cherry trees as they [play an important role for biodiversity](https://ecotree.green/en/forestry-definitions#biodiversite) in European forest ecosystems. The cherries feed many birds and their flowers provide nectar and pollen to bees in April and May. Their great biological potential means that cherry trees enhance the growth and upkeep of other species. Additionally, they enrich [enrich the soil quality](https://ecotree.green/en/forestry-definitions#humus) by helping the production of humus.. ### Wild cherry - Overview ### Wild cherry - Overview The wild cherry is a fast-growing tree with a medium-sized, reaching 10-25 meters, and can live up to 100 years. The [trunks](https://ecotree.green/en/forestry-definitions#tronc) are straight and cylindrical. The [bark](https://ecotree.green/en/forestry-definitions#tronc) is reddish-brown, smooth and has horizontal stripes. The leaves are elliptical in shape with serrated edges and grow in an alternate pattern. The tree has two reddish glands on the petiole, at the section between the leave and the branch, which is characteristic of the species. The white, [pedunculated](https://ecotree.green/en/forestry-definitions#pedoncule) flowers are arranged in small, lateral clusters. They bloom in March and April, before foliage springs. Their pyramid-shaped canopies then feature regular, white flowers that bud fruit following cross-fertilisation by [pollinating insects](https://ecotree.green/blog/que-font-les-abeilles-l-hiver). The cherries of wild cherry trees are sour and not meant to be aten as they are by humans. Whereas sweet cherries can easier be eaten right off the tree. These cherries are bigger than cherries from whild cherry trees, and they turn almost black as they ripen. Wild cherry has also been cultivated to the variants that are often found in gardens at home. Read moreRead less ![Wild cherry](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/species/merisier2.jpg?d=128x128) ### Wild cherry - Species requirements Wild cherry thrives when planted in deep, well-structured soil with a basic or slightly acidic pH that's well-drained. They need more than 700 mm of water distributed evenly throughout the year. They can resist extreme cold (down to -30°C), which explains why they are found on low mountains and in lowland forests. However, they don't like sudden temperature changes or extreme heat and sunburns. Wild cherry is not a pioneer species. They mix well with [sessile oak](/en/species/4), [ash](/en/species/11), hornbeam and hazel. They are usually planted in autumn or winter, before the end of February when the first buds begin to open. ### Timber from Wild Cherry The [timber](https://ecotree.green/en/forestry-definitions#bois) from wild cherry trees has always been popular because of its fine, beautifully coloured growth rings that ranges from pinkish-yellow to pinkish-brown. It's been a favourite among cabinetmakers. In the last century, cherrywood furniture was very popular, but has gradually fallen out of fashion. Timber from cherry trees has a long-lasting quality. It's easy to work with, polish, and shape. In the past, it was used to make stair railings, barrel hoops, ladder posts, and white wine barrels. ### Symbolism of the Wild Cherry In Japan, the Sakura flower (flower from a cherry tree) is a symbol of new beginnings and abundance. At wedding ceremonies, tea is replaced by an infusion of sakura flowers. You bestow eternal love on newlyweds by offering them a cherry tree. The tree will remind them of a wonderful day, the promises made and the union it celebrates. Cherry trees are an original wedding gift, it's material proof of commitment and an expression for a love that sets down its roots. [Give a wild cherry tree to celebrate love ](https://ecotree.green/en/unique-wedding-gifts) and contribute to local ecosystems! ### Our selection of trees Our goal is to enable anyone to do something that benefits nature and helps us to live in a more harmonious world. So why not become a tree owner in a European forest and help combat climate change? ![](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/ad2a046f70a19b5676020f6a34c3b596539cbcd6.jpg?d=240x135) ![Flag FR](https://img.ecotree.green/graphism/flags/fr.svg) [See in detail](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7383) [Corsican Pine](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7383) €19 Age: 0 to 2 years old Laneuville forest Meuse, Grand Est, France Add to cart ![](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/f4a7544286932b940ef11026e965c0a38d019af8.png?d=240x135) ![Flag FR](https://img.ecotree.green/graphism/flags/fr.svg) Popular [See in detail](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7547) [Sessile Oak](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7547) €19 Age: 0 to 2 years old Laneuville forest Meuse, Grand Est, France Add to cart ![](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/03/dd7ce55df2c354580f6e5888986fc66b4521810f.jpeg?d=240x135) ![Flag FR](https://img.ecotree.green/graphism/flags/fr.svg) New forest [See in detail](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7614) [Sitka Spruce](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7614) €19 Age: 0 to 2 years old Priziac forest Morbihan, Brittany, France Add to cart Please note that this is promotional communication. See our [notice of information](https://ecotree.green/en/notice-of-information). [ See our trees ](https://ecotree.green/en/treeshop) ![ecotree](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/drone/lanrivain-fr-03.jpg?d=70x70)graham has started a [subscription of 1 tree in France](/en/grow-your-own-forests) ![ecotree](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/drone/lanrivain-fr-03.jpg?d=70x70)Raphaël has started a [subscription of 2 trees in Denmark](/en/grow-your-own-danish-forests) ![ecotree](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/drone/lanrivain-fr-03.jpg?d=70x70)Chloe has started a [subscription of 3 trees in France](/en/grow-your-own-forests) ![ecotree](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/drone/lanrivain-fr-03.jpg?d=70x70)Heta has started a [subscription of 1 tree in Denmark](/en/grow-your-own-danish-forests) ![ecotree](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/drone/lanrivain-fr-03.jpg?d=70x70)Adrian has started a [subscription of 1 tree in Denmark](/en/grow-your-own-danish-forests) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/hero/0001/05/3999b46899e4791fd1ff5dccab53f800a2c7edc5.jpg?d=70x70)Thu Trang helped preserve 10.05 m² of the [m2 of restored natural ecosystem in Nouic Forest, France ](https://ecotree.green/en/article/6243) project in Nouïc Forest (Haute-Vienne, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/ad2a046f70a19b5676020f6a34c3b596539cbcd6.jpg?d=70x70)English purchased [1 Corsican Pine](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7383) from Laneuville forest (Meuse, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/pack/0001/06/73607ab34b5ac5f0887ab02d21bb04b8de505aa2.jpg?d=70x70)Margit gave away [1 Newly planted forest bundle bundle](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7205) from Different regions (DK) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/hero/0001/05/ba0ad016319bc69697b63bae5029778fb1593a24.jpg?d=70x70)Pierre-Olivier helped preserve 1 m² of the [m2 of restored natural ecosystem in Pézarches Forest, France ](https://ecotree.green/en/article/6248) project in Pézarches Forest (Seine-et-Marne, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/hero/0001/05/ba0ad016319bc69697b63bae5029778fb1593a24.jpg?d=70x70)Pierre-Olivier helped preserve 1 m² of the [m2 of restored natural ecosystem in Pézarches Forest, France ](https://ecotree.green/en/article/6248) project in Pézarches Forest (Seine-et-Marne, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/187b6bd8625bacdd11392c2ea17058c5962ebc7f.png?d=70x70)GILLES purchased [1 Hazel](https://ecotree.green/en/article/4090) from The Old Gravel Forest in Nysum (Nordjylland, DK) ### It's in the bag, great choice! 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