Native Plant Database

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Vick, Albert F. W.

Prunus emarginata (Dougl. ex Hook.) D. Dietr.

Bitter cherry

Rosaceae (Rose Family)

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.

 

From the Image Gallery

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:
Pale Swallowtail
(Papilio eurymedon)

Food Source
Learn more at BAMONA 		Elf
(Microtia elva)

Larval Host
Learn more at BAMONA

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

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

Bibliography

A Field Guide to Moths of Eastern North America (2005) Covell, C.V., Jr.
A Field Guide to Western Butterflies (Peterson Field Guides) (1999) Opler, P.A. and A.B. Wright

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Additional resources

USDA: Find Prunus emarginata in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Prunus emarginata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Prunus emarginata

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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