Do Cherry Blossoms Produce Cherries? Unveiling the Truth
The answer is complex: most cherry blossom trees, prized for their stunning floral displays, do not produce the sweet cherries we enjoy eating. Their fruit, if any, is generally small, sour, and primarily ornamental.
The Allure of Cherry Blossoms: A Background
Cherry blossoms, particularly those of the Prunus serrulata species (Japanese flowering cherry), are celebrated worldwide for their ephemeral beauty. Their delicate pink or white flowers herald the arrival of spring, symbolizing renewal and the fleeting nature of life. These trees are cultivated primarily for their ornamental value, and their fruit production is often secondary, or even non-existent. The widespread admiration for these blossoms is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where the “sakura” (cherry blossom) holds profound symbolic meaning.
Edible vs. Ornamental: A Crucial Distinction
The key to understanding why most cherry blossoms don’t produce edible cherries lies in understanding the difference between ornamental and fruiting cherry trees. While both belong to the Prunus genus, they have been selectively bred for different characteristics.
- Ornamental Cherry Trees: Prioritized for their flower aesthetics, bloom abundance, and graceful form. Fruit production is often an afterthought.
- Fruiting Cherry Trees: Bred specifically for large, sweet, and abundant fruit production. While they also produce blossoms, the focus is squarely on the cherries.
Therefore, the blossoms you admire in parks and gardens are likely from trees bred for beauty, not for taste.
Why Ornamental Cherries Produce Little or No Edible Fruit
Several factors contribute to the lack of edible fruit on ornamental cherry trees:
- Genetic Selection: Ornamental varieties have been genetically selected for floral traits, often at the expense of fruit-producing characteristics.
- Sterility: Some ornamental varieties are sterile or produce non-viable seeds, hindering fruit development.
- Environmental Conditions: Even if the tree is capable of producing fruit, environmental factors like insufficient pollination or unfavorable weather can impact fruit set.
- Grafting: Many ornamental cherry trees are grafted onto rootstock that doesn’t promote fruiting.
The Fruits They Do Produce (Or Not)
Even when ornamental cherry trees do produce fruit, it’s rarely the plump, sweet cherry we associate with commercial varieties. These fruits are typically:
- Small: Significantly smaller than edible cherries.
- Sour or Bitter: Unpalatable raw due to their high acidity and low sugar content.
- Primarily Ornamental: Primarily used for attracting birds or adding visual interest to the landscape.
Distinguishing Fruiting and Ornamental Cherry Trees
While identifying the precise variety requires expert knowledge, here are some general guidelines to differentiate between fruiting and ornamental cherry trees:
- Bloom Time: Fruiting cherry trees often bloom later in the spring than ornamental varieties.
- Flower Shape: Fruiting cherry blossoms tend to be simpler, with fewer petals than the showy, double-petaled blooms of ornamentals.
- Leaf Shape: The leaves of fruiting cherry trees are typically larger and more textured than those of ornamental varieties.
- Tree Form: Fruiting cherry trees often have a more open and sprawling growth habit compared to the more upright and symmetrical form of ornamental trees.
A Visual Comparison
| Feature | Fruiting Cherry Tree | Ornamental Cherry Tree |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Fruit production | Aesthetic beauty |
| Bloom Time | Often later in spring | Often earlier in spring |
| Flower Shape | Simpler, fewer petals | Showy, often double petals |
| Fruit Size | Large, plump | Small, often negligible |
| Fruit Taste | Sweet, palatable | Sour, bitter, unpalatable |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do all cherry blossom trees produce fruit?
No, not all cherry blossom trees produce fruit. Many ornamental varieties are bred primarily for their floral displays and may produce little to no fruit.
If a cherry blossom tree produces fruit, is it edible?
Even if a cherry blossom tree produces fruit, it’s not always edible. The fruit is often small, sour, and unpalatable compared to the sweet cherries we typically consume.
What is the difference between a fruiting cherry tree and a cherry blossom tree?
The primary difference lies in their cultivation. Fruiting cherry trees are bred for fruit production, while cherry blossom trees (ornamental varieties) are bred for floral beauty.
Can I eat the cherries from my ornamental cherry tree?
While the fruit from ornamental cherry trees may not be poisonous, it’s generally not recommended for consumption due to its often bitter and sour taste.
How can I tell if my cherry tree is a fruiting or ornamental variety?
Observe the flower shape, bloom time, and leaf shape. Fruiting varieties often have simpler flowers and bloom later than ornamental varieties. The leaves also tend to be larger.
Do some cherry blossom trees produce edible cherries?
Yes, some cherry blossom trees, particularly those of the Prunus avium (sweet cherry) and Prunus cerasus (sour cherry) varieties, are bred for fruit production and produce edible cherries.
Why are some cherry blossoms pink and others white?
The color of the cherry blossom depends on the variety of the tree. Different cultivars have been bred to produce blossoms in a range of shades, from pale white to deep pink.
What happens to the fruit on ornamental cherry trees if it’s not harvested?
The fruit on ornamental cherry trees typically falls to the ground, providing food for birds and other wildlife. It may also decompose naturally.
Can I graft a fruiting cherry tree onto an ornamental cherry tree?
Yes, grafting is possible, but the success depends on the compatibility of the rootstock (ornamental tree) and the scion (fruiting tree).
Are the leaves of cherry blossom trees edible?
While some cultures utilize cherry blossom leaves in cooking (particularly pickled leaves), not all varieties are suitable for consumption. Research and proper preparation are crucial.
Do cherry blossom trees need to be pollinated to produce fruit?
Yes, most cherry trees require cross-pollination to produce fruit. This means they need pollen from a different variety to fertilize their flowers.
Are there any downsides to planting an ornamental cherry tree?
While beautiful, ornamental cherry trees can be susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Additionally, the falling blossoms can create a messy cleanup if not properly managed.