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Prunus avium

Prunus avium is listed in the RHS Plants for Pollinators

The native English wild cherry, Prunus avium, has been planted in native woodlands for many years. It is also known as the "Gean" or "Mazzard" cherry.

Although usually grown for its blossom and aesthetic appeal, the wild cherry will often produce a crop of sweet cherries of average flavour, which are useful for feeding local wildlife.

Prunus avium flowering cherry trees for sale

  • 2-year pot-grown tree £70.00
    In a 12L pot
    Large size (3m-5m after 10 years)
    Out of stock
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History

Prunus avium is the ancestor of nearly all mainstream dessert cherries. This explains why dessert cherry varieties invariably have plain white single-flower blossom.

Prunus avium characteristics

  • Gardening skillBeginner
  • AwardsRHS AGM (former) - 1993
  • Attractive featuresAttractive flowersScented flowers
  • Growth habitUpright
  • Height after 10 years3m-5m / 10ft-16ft
  • PruningLight prune
  • Site conditionsCoastal site
  • WildlifeAttractive to birdsRHS Plants for PollinatorsMelliferous
  • Flower colourWhite
  • Flower formSingle flower (5-8 petals)
  • Flowering monthApril
  • Leaf colourGreen
  • Leaf colour - autumnMultiple tints
  • Fruit colourRed - dark
  • Fruit sizeVery small
  • Country of originUnited Kingdom
  • Annual cycleDeciduous

Similar varieties

  • See also Plena
    Prunus avium
    Plena
    A form of the native English wild cherry, featuring which has double white flowers rather than single flowers.
  • See also Schmittii
    Prunus avium x Prunus canascens
    Schmittii
    A flowering cherry which is useful for public spaces on account of its conical form and attractive bark.

What will it look like?

Illustrative example of a pot-grown tree of this variety as supplied. Approximate girth: 6/8cm. We try to keep all pot-grown trees down to about 1.5m as supplied, but some may be larger. Trees should reach their mature height after about 10 or more years.

Prunus Avium Plena tree

More images

  • An old Mazzard cherry tree

How to choose a flowering cherry tree

We list more than 70 different flowering cherry trees. Choosing can be difficult! Our article explaining the different characteristics of flowering cherries might help narrow down the selection.