Sweet cherry Prunus avium 'Penny' (PBR) (F)
ABOUT
The plant known as Penny is a type of cherry tree that is cherished for its attractive appearance. In the spring, it is adorned with clusters of sweetly fragrant, white flowers that provide a delightful display against the backdrop of emerging green foliage. These blossoms are a favorite among pollinators and can contribute to a vibrant garden ecosystem. As the seasons progress, the foliage matures into a lush, deep green canopy that serves as a striking contrast to the shiny, ruby-red cherries that ripen during the summer months. The cherries are not only eye-catching but also known for their deliciously sweet flavor, making them a treat for both the eyes and the palate. The overall form of the Penny cherry tree is elegant and pleasing to the eye, with a balanced and rounded canopy that adds structure and interest to the landscape. The glossy and smooth bark of the tree contributes further to its ornamental appeal, providing a subtle yet distinctive texture that is particularly noticeable during the dormant months of the year. Even without the specifics of its dimensions, it's clear that the Penny cherry tree can make a significant visual impact within a variety of garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Sweet Cherry, Wild Cherry, Gean.
Common names
Prunus avium 'Penny' (PBR) (F).
ToxicityTo humans
Sweet cherry trees are generally considered non-toxic to humans. The fleshy part of the cherry fruit that we commonly eat is safe and non-toxic. However, the seeds, leaves, and stems of the cherry contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide into the body when chewed and ingested. While occasional accidental consumption of a cherry pit is unlikely to cause harm due to the hard shell limiting the release of toxins, intentional or significant ingestion of the pits can lead to poisoning. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning from cherry pits may include headache, confusion, dizziness, breathing difficulties, and potentially lethal consequences like cardiac arrest and respiratory failure if consumed in large quantities.
To pets
Sweet cherry trees can be toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats, if they consume the leaves, stems, or seeds of the fruit. Like in humans, the pits, leaves, and stems of the cherry tree contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be harmful if ingested in large quantities. If a pet chews or eats these parts of the cherry tree, it could lead to cyanide poisoning. Symptoms of cherry pit, leaf, or stem poisoning in pets can include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, and in severe cases, it could be fatal. If you suspect your pet has ingested cherry pits or other dangerous parts of the tree, consult a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
20 feet (6 meters)
Spread
15 feet (4.5 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Prunus avium ‘Penny’ is known for its beautiful spring blossoms and vibrant autumn foliage, which add aesthetic value to landscapes.
- Shade Provider: With its canopy of leaves, this cherry tree offers shade during the hot summer months, creating a cooler microclimate.
- Fruit Production: It produces sweet cherries that can be consumed fresh, baked in desserts, or preserved, contributing to homegrown food sources.
- Wildlife Attraction: The tree provides food and habitat for birds and bees, supporting local biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: As a deciduous tree, it presents seasonal changes that can mark the time of year and provide variety in a garden setting.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Some compounds in sweet cherry may help to reduce inflammation in the body.
- Antioxidant: Sweet cherries are known to possess antioxidant properties, which can help in protecting cells from oxidative damage.
- Arthritis: Consumption of sweet cherries has been linked to reduced symptoms of arthritis and gout.
- Sleep Aid: Cherries contain melatonin, which can help regulate sleep patterns when consumed.
- Gastrointestinal Aid: Cherries are a source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal tract.
- Cardiovascular Health: The anthocyanins present in sweet cherries may help in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodworking: The hard, dense wood of sweet cherry can be used for crafting small items such as jewelry boxes or intricate carvings.
- Barbecue Smoking: The wood chips from sweet cherry trees can be used to add a sweet, fruity smoke flavor to barbecued meats.
- Dye Production: The bark and fruit of the sweet cherry can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or crafts.
- Furniture Making: Sweet cherry wood is valued for its fine grain and is often used in high-quality furniture making.
- Bonsai Cultivation: With careful pruning and training, sweet cherry can be cultivated as an ornamental bonsai tree.
- Photography: Sweet cherry trees in bloom can serve as excellent subjects or backdrops for outdoor photography, especially in spring.
- Wildlife Habitat: Planting sweet cherry trees can provide food and shelter for birds, bees, and other wildlife.
- Festivals and Celebrations: Similar to Japan’s cherry blossom festivals, sweet cherry trees can be the centerpiece of flower festivals or garden tours when in bloom.
- Agroforestry: Sweet cherry trees can be combined with crops or pastoral farming for sustainable land use systems and improved biodiversity.
- Tool Handles: The strength of sweet cherry wood makes it suitable for making durable handles for various hand tools.
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 sweet cherry, as Prunus avium 'Penny' is commonly called, is often associated with love and romance due to its delicate, sweet fruit and beautiful blossoms, symbolizing the sweetness and fleeting nature of love.
- Renewal and New Beginnings: The blossoming of cherry trees marks the very beginning of spring, symbolizing new life, renewal, and the start of a new cycle in nature.
- Impermanence: In Japanese culture, the cherry blossom represents the transient nature of life, due to the short blooming period of the cherry blossoms, which reminds people of the fleeting beauty of life.
- Beauty: The cherry tree, with its striking flowers, is considered a symbol of beauty, often representing the aesthetic pleasures and the appreciation of nature.
- Education and Intellectual Pursuits: In some cultural contexts, cherry wood is used to make writing utensils and desks, symbolically connecting it to the pursuit of knowledge and learning.
WaterSweet cherry trees, such as Prunus avium 'Penny', require consistent moisture, especially during the growing seasons of spring and summer. It is generally recommended to water young trees with about 2 gallons per week and mature trees as much as 4 to 10 gallons during dry periods. Watering should be done at the base of the tree, ideally with a slow drip that allows water to penetrate deeply into the root system. During the winter months, reduce watering since the tree will be dormant. Overwatering can be as harmful as underwatering, so ensure the soil has good drainage to prevent root rot.
LightSweet cherry trees thrive in full sunlight, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce the best fruit and maintain healthy growth. Plant Prunus avium 'Penny' in a location where it will receive unobstructed sunlight throughout the day. Avoid shady areas or spots that are shadowed by buildings or larger trees, as insufficient light can lead to poor fruiting and greater susceptibility to diseases.
TemperatureSweet cherries prefer moderate temperatures and might experience damage if exposed to extreme cold. Prunus avium 'Penny' can generally handle winter minimums down to about -20°F but does best in regions where average minimum winter temperatures are above 0°F. Ideal growing conditions for the sweet cherry tree are between 35°F and 75°F, which enable optimal growth and fruit production. Extended temperatures over 85°F during bloom can detrimentally affect fruit set.
PruningFor sweet cherry trees such as Prunus avium 'Penny', pruning is essential to maintain a strong structure, remove dead or diseased wood, and promote better air circulation and sunlight penetration. Pruning is best performed during the dormant season, late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Prune annually to maintain shape and encourage the growth of fruiting wood, removing any inward-growing branches and thinning out dense areas to ensure the health of the tree.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSweet cherry 'Penny' thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. A mix of loam, compost, and aged manure can create an optimal growing medium.
RepottingSweet cherry 'Penny' trees rarely need repotting as they're usually grafted on rootstocks and planted directly in the ground. They're not typical container plants.
Humidity & MistingSweet cherry 'Penny' is adaptable to a range of humidity levels as this fruit tree is typically grown outdoors with ambient humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Growing sweet cherry 'Penny' indoors is impractical due to its size.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-7 USDA
Life cycleThe Prunus avium 'Penny' (PBR) (F), commonly known as the Sweet Cherry 'Penny', begins its life cycle as a seed, which requires stratification to break dormancy. Once planted, the seed germinates, and a seedling emerges, developing a root system and the first set of true leaves. As the plant grows, it enters the vegetative stage, where it develops a strong structure of branches and foliage. The tree reaches maturity after a few years, producing its first flowers in early spring, which are then pollinated by insects, leading to fruit development. The Sweet Cherry 'Penny' bears fruit typically in mid-summer, yielding a crop of sweet cherries that, once ripe, are harvested. After harvesting, the tree enters a period of dormancy in the winter months to conserve energy for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The most popular method of propagating the sweet cherry variety Prunus avium 'Penny' is through grafting, ideally onto a compatible rootstock to ensure vigor and disease resistance. This typically involves taking a cutting or scion wood from a mature Penny cherry tree in late winter when the tree is still dormant. The scion, which is usually about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter (roughly 6 to 13 millimeters), is then carefully spliced onto the rootstock using a specialized grafting technique such as whip grafting, cleft grafting, or bud grafting. The graft union is sealed with grafting tape or wax to protect it from disease and desiccation. The graft should heal and start to grow within a few weeks as temperatures rise in spring, and successful union can often be observed by the growth of new shoots from the grafted scion.
