Sour cherry Prunus cerasus 'Morello' (C)
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as the Morello cherry is known for its distinct features that contribute to its popularity, especially in gardens. It bears a profusion of delicate white blossoms during spring, which adds a fragrant and aesthetic appeal to its surroundings. These flowers give way to a crop of deep red to near-black cherries that are tart in taste, typically ripening in midsummer. The leaves of the Morello cherry are green and have a serrated edge, providing a lush backdrop for the fruit and flowers. As the seasons change, the foliage often turns to hues of yellow and orange, offering a display of autumnal color before the leaves fall. The branches of this plant are spread out, creating a rounded and dense canopy that is both visually pleasing and provides shade. The bark on the trunk and branches is smooth and has a dark, glossy appearance. This combination of fruit, flowers, foliage, and bark makes the Morello cherry a plant with a distinct and highly regarded appearance, favored in many landscapes for its ornamental and edible qualities.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Sour Cherry, Tart Cherry, Morello Cherry, Dwarf Cherry, Pie Cherry
Common names
Prunus cerasus var. austera, Cerasus vulgaris var. austera, Prunus austera, Prunus cerasus var. acida, Prunus acida.
ToxicityTo humans
The Morello cherry is not toxic to humans when it comes to its ripe fruits; they are commonly eaten and used in various culinary dishes. However, parts of the plant such as leaves, stems, and seeds contain compounds that can be toxic. These parts contain cyanogenic glycosides which can release cyanide when ingested. If these plant parts are consumed in large enough quantities, symptoms of poisoning could include headache, confusion, weakness, difficulty breathing, and potentially could be fatal in severe cases due to cyanide poisoning.
To pets
Similar to humans, the Morello cherry can be toxic to pets if certain parts of the plant are ingested. The ripe fruits are generally not harmful, but the leaves, stems, and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that can become cyanide in the body. Signs of toxicity in pets may include panting, difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, red gums, and shock. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to cyanide poisoning, which might be fatal without prompt veterinary care.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
12-15 feet (3.7-4.6 meters)
Spread
10-15 feet (3-4.6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
4-6
Native area
Southeastern Europe, Southwest Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Edible Fruit: Prunus cerasus 'Morello' produces cherries that are commonly used in baking, cooking, and for making preserves and juices.
- Landscape Aesthetics: The tree offers ornamental value with its springtime blossoms and attractive fall foliage, adding beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Wildlife Habitat: The cherry tree can provide food and shelter for a variety of wildlife, including birds and pollinators like bees.
- Shade Provider: With its broad canopy, the Morello cherry tree can offer cooling shade during hotter seasons, making outdoor spaces more enjoyable.
- Economic Value: Cherry trees like the Morello can be a source of income for fruit growers and contribute to local agriculture.
- Culinary Versatility: Morello cherries are versatile in the kitchen, used in desserts, savory dishes, and beverages, offering a range of culinary options.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Morello cherries contain compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Antioxidant: The high levels of antioxidants such as vitamin C and anthocyanins can help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
- Arthritis Relief: Consumption of Morello cherry juice has been suggested to alleviate symptoms of arthritis and gout due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Muscle Recovery: Some studies indicate that Morello cherries may aid in muscle recovery post-exercise, reducing muscle pain and damage.
- Sleep Aid: Morello cherries are a natural source of melatonin, which can help improve sleep quality.
- Heart Health: The anthocyanins and other compounds found in Morello cherries may offer cardiovascular benefits, aiding in the reduction of blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Sour cherry wood is valued for its fine grain and is occasionally used for making musical instruments, providing a visually appealing finish and warm resonance.
- The wood can also be used in cabinetry and fine woodworking, utilized for its color, workability, and finish quality.
- Dried sour cherry blossoms and leaves can be incorporated into potpourri mixtures as a fragrant addition to personal spaces.
- Pigment made from the cherry's skin or juice was traditionally used for dyeing fabrics in natural reddish tones.
- In landscaping, sour cherry can be used as a companion plant to provide shade and shelter to more delicate plants due to its dense foliage.
- Tree trimmings from pruning can be repurposed to smoke meats, offering a unique cherry-infused flavor profile to various dishes.
- Crushed sour cherry pits can be used in the crafting of exfoliating soaps and scrubs for natural skin care.
- When composted, the leaves and other non-edible parts of the sour cherry tree can enrich soil with nutrients as they decompose.
- The tart fruit of the sour cherry is sometimes used in the preparation of liqueurs and aperitifs, appreciated for its depth of flavor.
- Historically, sour cherry juice has been boiled down to a syrup or molasses, offering a sweet and tart condiment for various culinary applications.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiMorello cherry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityMorello cherry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal and new beginnings - 'Morello' cherries, like other cherry varieties, bloom in the spring, symbolizing the start of a new cycle of life and the rejuvenation of nature after winter.
- Education and intellectual pursuits - In some cultures, cherry trees are associated with knowledge and learning, possibly due to their historical presence in academic settings.
- Love and romance - Cherries have a deep red color often related to love and passion, and cherry blossoms are considered romantic in many parts of the world.
- Beauty and fragility - Cherry blossoms are known for their delicate and ephemeral nature, representing the transient beauty of life.
- Impermanence - The fleeting bloom of cherry blossoms serves as a reminder of life's impermanence and the importance of living in the present moment.
WaterMorello cherry trees require regular watering, particularly during the first few years to establish a strong root system and during the fruiting season to ensure juicy cherries. The tree should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1.5 to 2 gallons of water each time. Increase the frequency to twice a week during extended periods of drought or extreme heat. Ensure the water penetrates the soil to a depth of 12 to 18 inches to reach the root zone. Overhead watering should be avoided to reduce the risk of leaf diseases; instead, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system at the base of the tree.
LightMorello cherry trees thrive in full sun, where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for planting a Morello cherry tree is an open area away from taller trees or buildings that could cast shade on it. Morning sunlight is particularly beneficial as it helps dry the dew on the leaves, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
TemperatureMorello cherry trees are hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but they grow best in a temperate climate. They can survive winter lows down to -20°F and have a chilling requirement of several hundred hours between 32°F and 45°F to break dormancy and promote spring flowering. Ideal temperature conditions during the growing season range from 60°F to 75°F for optimal growth and fruit development.
PruningPruning a Morello cherry tree helps maintain a healthy tree structure, promotes air circulation, and encourages better fruit production. Prune the tree during the dormant season, late winter or early spring, before the buds break. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and thin out the canopy to allow sunlight to penetrate. Aim to create an open, vase-like structure. Prune the tree annually to shape it and remove any unwanted growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMorello Cherry prefers well-draining loam or sandy loam soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, enriched with organic matter. A balanced mixture would be one-third each of loam, peat moss or well-rotted compost, and perlite or coarse sand.
RepottingMorello Cherry trees, being larger fruit trees, do not typically undergo repotting as they are planted outdoors. However, young trees may be repotted to larger containers as they grow until they are ready for permanent planting in the ground.
Humidity & MistingMorello Cherry trees are adaptable to a wide range of atmospheric conditions but do not require specific humidity levels; average outdoor relative humidity is usually suitable for these trees.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Morello Cherry is not suited for indoor growth; requires full sun.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, ensure soil drainage, space 20ft apart.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Morello cherry (Prunus cerasus 'Morello') life begins with seed germination after stratification, which simulates winter conditions to break seed dormancy. The seedling stage follows, where the plant establishes its root system and initial leaves for photosynthesis. As it enters the juvenile stage, the tree develops more branches and foliage, and after several years, it matures into the adult stage, capable of flowering and fruiting. During spring, the adult Morello cherry tree blooms with clusters of white flowers that are pollinated by insects, leading to the development of sour cherries in early summer. Once the fruits ripen, they are dispersed by various means, such as consumption by wildlife, facilitating the spread of seeds. The tree follows a yearly cycle of flowering and fruiting, with dormancy in winter, until it reaches the end of its lifespan, which can be several decades long.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter
The most popular method for propagating the sour cherry tree, commonly known as Morello cherry, is via semi-hardwood cuttings. This process typically occurs in late summer when new growth has partially matured but is not yet fully hardened. Choose a healthy, disease-free branch and cut a segment that is 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) in length, ensuring it has several leaf nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to reduce moisture loss and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to enhance root development. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, enclose it in a plastic bag or place it in a misting chamber to maintain a high humidity environment, and keep it in a warm area with indirect sunlight. Roots generally develop within a few weeks to a few months, after which the young plant can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before being transplanted into the garden.
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