{"product_id":"prunus-emarginata-oregon-cherry-bitter-cherry-rosaceae","title":"Oregon Cherry (Bitter Cherry)","description":"\u003ch1\u003eOregon Cherry (Bitter Cherry)\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrunus Emarginata\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRosaceae\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeystone plant\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpokane Native\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSun-Part Shade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSize: 10’-30' wide x 10’-50' tall\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFruit: bright red\/black berries\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDrought Tolerant: Yes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEvergreen: no\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlower Color: white-light pink (April - June)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWildlife Value: birds, insects, and mammals\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOregon Cherry (also called Bitter Cherry) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native throughout western North America from British Columbia and Vancouver Island south to southern California and east to Montana, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona, occurring from 150 feet elevation in northern range to 9,000 feet in southern California. This is THE most common western cherry species. Two distinct varieties recognized: var. emarginata (shrub-like, more widespread, 10-30 feet) and var. mollis (small tree form west of Cascades, 24-50 feet, exceptional specimens 80-100 feet tall). The species forms thickets through vigorous spreading via underground rhizomes\/stems that extend up to 50 feet from parent plant, sending up adventitious shoots to create dense colonies—this suckering habit makes it invaluable for erosion control and wildlife cover but potentially too aggressive for small formal gardens. MOST EASILY IDENTIFIED by distinctive bark: smooth, shiny, reddish-brown to silvery-gray with prominent horizontal lenticels (raised pores allowing gas exchange)—this attractive bark provides excellent winter interest and year-round identification feature. Leaves are small (2-8 cm or 3\/4-3 inches), thin, egg-shaped, yellowish-green, finely toothed with unevenly sized serrations, rounded at tip (\"emarginate\" means notched at margins, referring to leaf characteristics). In spring (April-June), trees produce showy flat-topped clusters of fragrant white to pinkish five-petaled flowers with numerous hairlike stamens—flowers are highly ALMOND-SCENTED (similar to related cherries), attracting early-season pollinators. Flowers are pollinated by insects and give way to abundant small drupes (cherries) 7-14 mm (1\/4-1\/2 inch) diameter, ripening July-September, dispersing August-September. Fruits are bright red to dark red or nearly black, round with thick skin—as common names suggest, fruits are EXTREMELY BITTER and inedible to humans (though edible to wildlife). Leaves turn attractive yellow in autumn before dropping. The species has hybridized with introduced European Sweet Cherry (P. avium) in Puget Sound area, creating nearly sterile hybrid P. × pugetensis. Historical medicinal compound prunetin (isoflavone) was first isolated from P. emarginata bark by Finnemore in 1910.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKEYSTONE SPECIES - Prunus genus ranks THIRD among all plant genera in Lepidoptera support. Estimated to be caterpillar HOST and LARVAL FOOD SOURCE for approximately 150 species of native butterflies and moths including Western Tiger Swallowtail, Lorquin's Admiral, Elegant Sheepmoth, Sara Orangetip, Silvery Blue, Spring Azure, and numerous others. Flowers attract hummingbirds, native bees (including specialists), European honey bees—early almond-scented blooms provide critical nectar\/pollen for emerging spring pollinators. Fruits are IMPORTANT FOOD for numerous birds: Cedar Waxwings (flock to trees), Evening Grosbeaks (eagerly harvest seeds in early autumn), grouse, grosbeaks, jays, woodpeckers, chickadees, many songbirds—valuable because fruits persist through season. Fruits eaten by squirrels, foxes, black bears, coyotes, chipmunks, raccoons, rodents, small mammals, even slugs (in Washington). Foliage is VALUABLE browse for mule deer, elk, black bear—HIGHLY PREFERRED winter forage for Columbian black-tailed deer in Pacific Northwest and California; browsed by deer\/elk in Southwest; utilized by mountain beaver in Sierra Nevada. Highly palatable to sheep (preferred sheep food in Oregon); also eaten by cattle. Dense thickets provide IMPORTANT COVER for wildlife, roosting sites, thermal protection, nesting habitat. Ground-foraging birds (thrushes) and amphibians feed on arthropods living in fallen leaf litter. Bare winter trunks\/stems with reddish-brown bark and visible lenticels add landscape interest. CAUTION: Seeds (pits) of all Prunus species contain poisonous cyanogenic compounds and should never be eaten by humans or livestock\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOregon Cherry\/Bitter Cherry was extensively used by Pacific Northwest tribes including Bella Coola, Cowichan, Hanaksiala, Kwakwaka'wakw (most notably), Klamath, and numerous others. BARK was essential material for basket making—peels off in long fibrous strips ideal for weaving baskets and other implements. BARK and ROOTS were used medicinally: decoctions of root and inner bark taken daily to prevent\/treat heart troubles; bark infusions used in treatment of tuberculosis; bark combined with crab apple (Malus spp.) as cure-all tonic for treating colds and various ailments; bark and plant parts applied as poultices for medicinal purposes. Infusions of ROTTEN WOOD reportedly used as contraceptive. Haida used peeled bark sheets as SPLINTS for broken limbs. Despite extremely bitter fruits being inedible to humans, fruits occasionally consumed by Native peoples after special preparation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCultivated as ornamental (usually var. mollis)—attractive bark, flowers, and fruit make it pleasing addition to woodland gardens and habitat landscapes. Valued for wildlife habitat enhancement, erosion control, streambank stabilization, riparian restoration, forested riparian buffers to reduce erosion and protect aquatic environments. Sometimes used in naturalized landscapes and restoration projects where thicket-forming habit is asset rather than liability. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOutstanding for wildlife gardens, habitat restoration, erosion control, streambank stabilization, riparian buffers, naturalized areas, thicket plantings, forest edges, and large-scale revegetation. With its attractive bark, almond-scented flowers, and bright red fruits, Bitter Cherry can be lovely addition to full sun or partially shaded areas. Thrives in wide range of habitats from mountain brush to woodland to riparian areas—in Oregon commonly found in Ponderosa Pine and Douglas-fir forests, on rocky slopes, in mixed forests at mid-to-alpine elevations, disturbed areas, clearings, and openings. Prefers moist, loamy or sandy loam soils with good drainage but remarkably adaptable—also grows on dry, exposed, rocky sites and tolerates clay soils (though thrives better in loamy\/rocky areas). Grows in full sun to partial shade. Requires very little if any supplemental water once established. Tolerates nutrient-rich to moderate soils; medium to slow drainage optimal. Forms dense thickets over time through aggressive suckering—WATCH OUT for this spreading habit which creates veritable haven for wildlife but may be problematic in small formal landscapes or near structures. Best suited for naturalized areas, large properties, wildlife corridors, restoration sites where thicket formation is desired. Overbrowsing by deer can decrease cover. When used to enhance wildlife habitat, benefits from protection from foraging animals for at least 3 years after planting. Sometimes brushfield communities containing Bitter Cherry eliminated to benefit conifer establishment, though this reduces wildlife habitat value. Roots spread extensively (up to 50 feet), creating new shoots. No serious pests or diseases except occasional caterpillar feeding (which is GOAL for supporting native Lepidoptera—plants recover and provide critical habitat). Plant with Ponderosa Pine, Douglas-fir, Grand Fir, Western Larch, Quaking Aspen, Oceanspray, Serviceberry, Snowberry, Chokecherry, native Roses, Currants, Red-osier Dogwood, Western Thimbleberry, native shrubs and understory species. Companions depend on elevation and moisture: dry mountain forests versus riparian zones versus mixed conifer stands.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0774\/5440\/9961\/files\/Screenshot_2025-12-20_051850.png?v=1766236750\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tanager, LLC","offers":[{"title":"1 Gallon","offer_id":51437593166057,"sku":null,"price":8.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0774\/5440\/9961\/files\/Prunus_Emarginata_-_Oregon_Cherry_-_habit.png?v=1766931496","url":"https:\/\/www.tanagergreenhouse.com\/products\/prunus-emarginata-oregon-cherry-bitter-cherry-rosaceae","provider":"Tanager, LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}