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Morello Cherry

Prunus cerasus austerafam. Rosaceae
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Prunus cerasus austera (Morello Cherry) — botanical photograph
Pl. 3BD7 — Prunus cerasus austera
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Overview

Morello Cherry (Prunus cerasus austera) is a deciduous tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. Native to the North Caucasus region, this tree is known for its edible and medicinal properties. Morello Cherry thrives in moist conditions, preferring light to partial sun, and can grow up to 9 meters tall. Its fruit and seeds are both edible parts, making it a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes. The plant is adaptable to various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils, and is hardy in zones 3-7, allowing it to withstand varying climates within this range. Morello Cherry has been used medicinally due to its documented benefits, making it a versatile plant for both culinary and therapeutic purposes. One distinctive feature is its adaptability to different soil types and its hardiness in a range of climates, making it a reliable choice for gardeners. Regular watering is essential to maintain moisture levels, and the plant may take several years to bear fruit. While the fruit and seeds are edible, caution should be exercised when using any part of the plant medicinally, as more research is needed to establish safe and effective dosages.

Quick answers

What is Morello Cherry?

Morello Cherry (Prunus cerasus austera) is a deciduous tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. Native to the North Caucasus region, this tree is known for its edible and medicinal properties. Morello Cherry thrives in moist conditions, preferring light to partial sun, and can grow up to 9 meters tall.

Compare with:Apple Rose→Birch Bark Cherry→Bloxam's Raspberry→all comparisons →
IV·b

Mixology suggestions

1 draft
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Morello Cherry support blend
general
tea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Morello Cherry thrives in full to partial sun, with partial shade tolerated. It prefers moist, well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). The plant is hardy in zones 3-7, making it suitable for temperate regions. Regular watering is essential to maintain moisture levels. For propagation, seeds can be used, but the plant may take several years to bear fruit.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-7
Mature size
9.0 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Morello Cherry for the first time

8steps

Start with a simple Morello Cherry tree to gain experience in growing cherries.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A Morello Cherry sapling, garden gloves, and a trowel.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant the sapling in early spring or late autumn when temperatures are mild.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0; amend as needed.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant the sapling into a prepared hole that's twice as wide but not deeper than its root ball.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep soil moist, and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun for at least 6 hours a day; prune annually in late winter to maintain shape.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune in late winter to remove dead, weak, or crossing branches; harvest fruit when ripe and slightly soft.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting regular pruning, not providing enough sunlight, and using incorrect soil pH.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: Oil, Gum, Tea
Other uses:AdhesiveDyeGumHedgerowoilLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

1 native · 81 introduced
Distribution across3 continents· 1 native· 81 introduced
Europe17 regions
native (1)Russia
introduced (16)AustriaBelgiumBulgariaFranceGermanyHungaryIrelandItalyPolandPortugalRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia10 regions
introduced (10)AfghanistanChinaGeorgiaIranKazakhstanPakistanSouth KoreaTurkeyTurkmenistanUzbekistan
Americas1 region
introduced (1)United States
Broader regions
introduced:Argentina South, Baltic States, British Columbia, California, Connecticut, Czechoslovakia, Delaware, District of Columbia, East Himalaya, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Irkutsk, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Masachusettes, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New South Wales, New York, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, North Carolina, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward I., Québec, Rhode I., Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Himalaya, West Virginia, Yugoslavia
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Prunus cerasus austera (Morello Cherry) — botanical photograph
Morello Cherry (Prunus cerasus austera)
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See also

8 related
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Explore further

Growing zone
XII

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