Seasonal Wild Flowers

Rum Cherry

Prunus serotina

Rosaceae

Black cherry

April to May

It is thinly scattered throughout the country but is more

common in the South.

See the BSBI distribution map for Rum Cherry

It is a neophite which is commonly planted in gardens

as an ornamental tree and has been naturalised in the

wild since the1850s.

It grows in woodland, hedgerows, heaths and by rivers.

Rum Cherry is a medium-sized tree, growing up to 25m.

Flowers are in spikes of about 10cm.

Flowers are 1cm across with 5 creamy white petals.

There are numerous stamens and a greeny yellow stigma.

Leaves are pointed ovals and smooth.

In the US, fruits can be eaten raw , cooked with herbs and

spices and used in sauces, pies, cakes, puddings and ice

cream.

Rum Cherry tree, Lancaster

Flower spikes

Close-up of flowers

Leaves