Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090116093244im_/http://www.wildflower.org/image_archive/320x240/PCD3475/PCD3475_IMG0002.JPG)
Vick, Albert F. W.
Prunus emarginata (Dougl. ex Hook.) D. Dietr.
Bitter cherry
USDA Symbol: PREM
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Thicket-forming shrub or small tree with rounded crown, slender, upright branches, bitter foliage, and small, bitter cherries.
This is the most common western cherry. The scientific name describes the notched petals. As the common name indicates, the fruit is not edible; like the bark and leaves, it is intensely bitter. However, the fruit is consumed by many songbirds and mammals and the foliage is browsed by deer and livestock.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Tree Leaf Color: Green
Fruit Color: Red
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Pink
Bloom Time: Apr , May
Distribution
USA: AZ , CA , ID , MT , NV , NM , OR , UT , WA , WY
Canada: BC Native Distribution: British Columbia, Washington, and W. Montana south to S. California and SW. New Mexico; to 9000 (2743 m) in south.
Native Habitat: Moist soils of valleys and on mountain slopes; in chaparral and coniferous forests.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Seeds contained in the bright red cherries are eagerly harvested by Evening Grosbeaks in early autumn.
Warning: The seeds of all Prunus species, found inside the fruits, contain poisonous substances and should never be eaten. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable be
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: Admiral, Azure, Swallowtail (larval), orange tip, elfin, and blue (nectar) butterflies.
Nectar Source: yes
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Prunus emarginata is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff
Go back