Although the sweet cherry is a fruit tree, it also thrives in forest environments. It can grow up to 30 meters in height and live for around 120 years. Its trunk is straight, and the branches grow at a sharp angle, forming a loose, oval-shaped crown.
The bark of young trees is smooth and reddish-brown, while in older specimens it begins to peel characteristically. The leaves are obovate, sharply pointed, and range from 6 to 15 cm in length; their edges are clearly serrated.
The cherry blooms in April and May, covering itself with white flowers. From these, spherical, dark red fruits develop, which are bitter.
In Polish forests, the wild cherry most often occurs as a mixed species in deciduous and mixed forests. It requires fertile soils.
Worth knowing: Many cultivated cherry varieties originate from this species.
Fun fact: Cherry leaves contain vitamin C.
Source: Lasy Państwowe