Prunus Avium - Wild Cherry

Prunus avium, commonly known as Wild Cherry, is a stunning native tree admired for its spring blossom and vibrant autumn foliage. Its broad conical shape, glossy reddish-brown bark, and distinctive spreading branches make it an excellent specimen for woodlands, parks, gardens, and hedgerows. The tree thrives in a wide range of soils, provided they are not waterlogged, and its hardy nature makes it suitable for professional planting schemes, councils, landscapers, and estate projects seeking long-lasting, visually striking trees.

In spring, clusters of cup-shaped white flowers appear before the leaves, attracting insects and supporting wildlife. By autumn, the leaves turn fiery red and orange, providing seasonal interest and adding value to any landscape. The dark red fruits, either sweet or bitter, are a food source for birds and small mammals. Wild Cherry is also valued for its timber, used in cabinet making, wood-turning, and musical instruments, while its fruits and flowers contribute to biodiversity in planting schemes.

This is the size and type we sell: Prunus avium Wild Cherry 20–40cm Cell Grown, Prunus avium Wild Cherry 40–60cm 1+0, and Prunus avium Wild Cherry 60–80cm 1+0, professionally grown trees ideal for hedging, specimen planting, and woodland restoration.

Features & Benefits

Native British deciduous tree with ornamental flowers and autumn foliage

Hardy, fast-growing, and adaptable to most free-draining soils

Attractive spreading branches and conical form for year-round structure

Supports wildlife: flowers feed insects; fruits feed birds and mammals

Timber used for cabinet making, musical instruments, and wood-turning

Perfect for specimen trees, hedging, and mixed woodland schemes

Applications

Specimen tree planting in parks, gardens, and woodlands

Mixed hedgerows and biodiversity projects

Hedging for estates, councils, and large landscapes

Woodland creation and restoration projects

Ornamental and wildlife-friendly planting schemes

Height & Spread (Approximate)

After 10 years: 8m height x 5m spread

After 20 years: 14m height x 7m spread

Growth assumes suitable site conditions.

Botanical Name | Prunus avium

Common Name | Wild Cherry

Plant Type | Deciduous native tree

Growth Rate | Medium-Fast

Mature Height | Up to 20m+

Mature Spread | Up to 7m

Soil Type | Free-draining soils; avoid waterlogged

Aspect | Full sun to partial shade

Hardiness | Fully hardy in the UK

Plant Size & Type | 20–40cm Cell Grown / 40–60cm 1+0 / 60–80cm 1+0

Maintenance | Minimal; prune after fruiting if needed

Wildlife Value | Flowers feed insects; fruits feed birds and small mammals