Bitter Cherry is a fruit-bearing shrub (P. emarginata var. emarginata) to small tree (P. emarginata var. mollis), native to western North America. Leaves are Serrated and ovate to elliptic in shape. The bark is smooth, gray to reddish and with prominent horizontal lenticels. Clusters of Almond-scented white flowers appear in spring followed by plump, red to purple inedible cherries. The more common shrub form can grow in thickets, suckering from widespread underground roots.
Botanical Name: Prunus emarginata Family: RosaceaeNative to: Western North America Eco benefits: attracts pollinators, attracts birds, medicinal Natural habitat: understory, barren or disturbed ground, forest edge Shapes: clump, single trunk, upright Height: 4-50ft Unique attractions: flowers, fruit Common uses: landscaping, naturalized plantings Light: full sun, partial shade Soil: moist and fertile, well drained, drought tolerant, dry
