Sweet Cherry Prunus avium 'Early Rivers' (F)
ABOUT
Prunus avium 'Early Rivers' is commonly known as the sweet cherry. This variety is cherished for its lush foliage and delightful fruit. The leaves are green, glossy, and oblong with a slightly serrated edge, often coming to a gentle point. In springtime, 'Early Rivers' is adorned with clusters of charming white flowers. These blossoms are cup-shaped and attract pollinators to the garden with their delicate appearance. Following the flowering stage, the plant produces fruit that is notable for its attractive, glossy exterior. The cherries themselves are typically heart-shaped, featuring a deep red hue that can vary in intensity, from bright to a darker red as they ripen. Each succulent cherry is tethered to the tree by a slender stem, which often carries a pair of miniature leaves near the fruit. The overall impression of Prunus avium 'Early Rivers' is one of classic orchard beauty, with an elegant presence that provides both aesthetic and culinary rewards.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Sweet Cherry, Wild Cherry, Gean
Common names
Cerasus avium (L.) Moench, Prunus cerasus var. avium (L.) K.Richt.
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet cherry trees like the 'Early Rivers' variety are not typically toxic to humans, and the fruit is widely eaten. However, it's important to note that the seeds inside the cherries contain compounds that can convert to cyanide when ingested. Chewing and swallowing large amounts of the pits can lead to cyanide poisoning. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include headache, confusion, agitation, difficulty breathing, and could potentially be fatal in severe cases. It's generally safe to consume the flesh of the cherry fruits as long as the pits are not crushed or ingested in large quantities.
To pets
Sweet cherry trees like the 'Early Rivers' can pose a risk to pets, especially dogs, if they ingest the leaves, stems, or seeds (pits) of the fruit. These parts of the plant contain cyanogenic glycosides that can release cyanide when digested. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning in pets may include panting, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and shock. In severe cases, it can be fatal. While the flesh of the cherries is not toxic, care should be taken to prevent pets from accessing the pits and other parts of the tree.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
20-25 feet (6-7.6 meters)
Spread
15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Prunus avium 'Early Rivers' adds aesthetic value to gardens with its attractive spring blossoms and vibrant autumn foliage.
- Fruit production: The tree produces sweet cherries that are enjoyed fresh, in baking, and preserved as jams or jellies.
- Shade provider: With its broad canopy, it offers a pleasant shade in outdoor living spaces during the warmer months.
- Wildlife attraction: The cherry tree's flowers attract pollinators such as bees, and its fruit can provide a food source for birds.
- Seasonal interest: This cultivar offers seasonal interest with flowers in spring, fruit in early summer, and changing leaf colors in fall.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodworking Projects: The wood of the sweet cherry tree can be used for making fine furniture and cabinetry due to its rich color and fine grain.
- Smoking Food: Chips made from the cherry wood can impart a mild, fruity flavor to smoked meats and cheeses.
- Environmental Education: Sweet cherry trees can be used in educational programs to teach about pollination and the role of bees in fruit production.
- Landscape Design: 'Early Rivers' can be used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive blossoms and foliage for landscape design purposes.
- Natural Dyes: The bark, leaves, and fruit pits can be used to create natural dyes for textile coloring.
- Culinary Garnishes: The flowers and young leaves can be used as edible decorations on cakes and desserts.
- Bird Habitat: These trees offer food and habitat to birds, providing cherries for them to eat and branches for perching.
- Eco-friendly Insect Repellant: The leaves of sweet cherry trees contain substances that can potentially be used as natural insect repellents.
- Photography Subjects: The picturesque blossoms and fruit of the sweet cherry tree make them popular subjects for photographers, especially in spring.
- Woodcrafts: Small branches and twigs can be used to create rustic crafts, such as wreaths, walking sticks, or decorative items.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe sweet cherry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe sweet cherry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love and Romance: The Prunus avium, commonly known as the sweet cherry, often symbolizes love and romance, as cherries are traditionally associated with the sweetness and fleeting nature of love.
- Youthfulness: The sweet cherry's delicate blossoms and early ripening lend it to be a symbol of youth and the transient nature of life.
- Good Fortune: In some cultures, cherries are seen as omens of good luck and prosperity, particularly if they are encountered in large numbers.
- Femininity: The tree’s soft, rounded fruit and gentle blossoms can symbolize feminine beauty and gentleness.
- Education and Intellectual Pursuits: Because cherry wood is often used to make writing utensils and desks, the sweet cherry can also represent scholarly endeavors and the pursuit of knowledge.
- New Beginnings: The blooming of cherry trees in the spring is emblematic of new beginnings, rejuvenation, and the start of a fruitful period ahead.
- The Brevity of Life: Since cherry blossoms have a short blooming period, they often serve as a reminder of the fleeting nature of existence and the need to cherish each moment.
WaterSweet cherry trees, including the Early Rivers variety, should be watered deeply about once a week, providing the equivalent of 1 to 2 inches of rainfall. Young trees require approximately 10 to 15 gallons per week, especially during the first couple of seasons after planting. Mature trees need more water, ranging from 15 to 20 gallons a week depending on weather conditions. During periods of drought or extreme heat, it's important to water more frequently to ensure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in the late fall and winter when the tree is dormant.
LightSweet cherry trees need full sunlight to thrive, which is at least 6 to 8 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day. The best spot for planting a cherry tree is in an open area away from taller trees or structures that might shade it. Good sunlight exposure is crucial for fruit development and overall health of the tree.
TemperatureSweet cherry trees prefer a temperate climate and are hardy in USDA zones 5 through 7, typically handling temperatures as low as -20°F to -10°F in the winter. The ideal growing temperature for sweet cherries during the growing season is between 75°F and 85°F. They need chilling hours between 32°F and 45°F during winter dormancy to set fruit but can be damaged by late spring frosts that occur after the buds have begun to swell.
PruningThe sweet cherry tree should be pruned to maintain a strong structure, to remove dead or diseased wood, and to allow sunlight and air to penetrate the canopy, which is essential for fruit ripening and reducing disease. Prune in late winter while the tree is still dormant and before it starts to bud in early spring. Pruning should be done annually to ensure the best fruit production and overall health of the tree.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet cherry 'Early Rivers' thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A soil mix of loamy or sandy soil amended with compost or well-rotted manure is ideal. Maintain a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth and fruit production.
RepottingSweet cherry 'Early Rivers' is usually not repotted as it is a large tree meant for outdoor planting. Instead, it is transplanted from a nursery to a permanent location in the garden or orchard.
Humidity & MistingSweet cherry 'Early Rivers' prefers average outdoor humidity conditions. While specific levels are not critical, this plant does well in the typical humidity found in temperate outdoor climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Growing sweet cherry 'Early Rivers' indoor isn't feasible; it's a large tree.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-7 USDA
Life cyclePrunus avium 'Early Rivers', commonly known as the Early Rivers sweet cherry, begins its life cycle when a pit from a ripe cherry germinates in the soil. After stratification, the seedling emerges in spring, developing a taproot and a shoot that will become the trunk. The young tree grows through the vegetative stage for several years, developing a robust branching system before reaching maturity and becoming capable of flowering. Flowers appear in early spring as the weather warms, typically before the foliage, and are pollinated by insects, leading to fruit set. The sweet cherries ripen in early summer, and once they are harvested, the tree enters a period of dormancy in the fall and winter to conserve energy for the next growing season. Throughout its life, the tree requires careful pruning, fertilization, and pest management to ensure a healthy lifespan and productive fruiting.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Prunus avium 'Early Rivers', commonly known as sweet cherry, is typically propagated by grafting, a process which is most successful when performed in late winter or early spring, just before the sap begins to flow. Grafting involves fusing a piece of the 'Early Rivers' variety, known as the scion, with the rootstock of a different, but related, species or variety. The scion, which is a shoot with several buds, is usually about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long. The rootstock and scion are cut at matching angles and joined together so that the vascular tissues align. This junction is then wrapped to keep it in place and protected from the elements while the graft heals, a process that generally takes several weeks. During this time, the two pieces grow together to form a new plant that combines the desirable fruiting characteristics of the 'Early Rivers' variety with the hardiness and vigor of the rootstock.
