Bitter Cherry
Prunus emarginata
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Pl. E038 — Prunus emarginata
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IOverview
Overview
Bitter Cherry (Prunus emarginata) is a deciduous tree or shrub found in the western United States and southwestern Canada, ranging from Arizona to British Columbia. Known for its edible fruit and seeds, this plant thrives in moist environments with light to partial sun exposure. It prefers soil types that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) and has a hardiness range of 5-9. Growing up to 5 meters tall, Bitter Cherry is adaptable but flourishes best in soil pH between 6.2 and 7.8. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to provide both ornamental value and culinary uses, making it a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes in suitable climates.
Quick answers
What is Bitter Cherry?
Bitter Cherry (Prunus emarginata) is a deciduous tree or shrub found in the western United States and southwestern Canada, ranging from Arizona to British Columbia. Known for its edible fruit and seeds, this plant thrives in moist environments with light to partial sun exposure.
What is Bitter Cherry used for?
Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Bitter Cherry
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Bitter Cherry appears in herbal sources around after-meal comfort traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original low confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Bitter Cherry support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Bitter Cherry thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows best in zones 5-9 and can reach a height of 5 meters. Propagate via seed. Ensure the planting site has a pH between 6.2 and 7.8 for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
5.0 m tall
Soil pH
6.2–7.8
For first-time growers
How to grow Bitter Cherry for the first time
7steps
Start with planting Bitter Cherry in a sunny spot and well-prepared soil for a rewarding beginner project.
- 1
What you'll need
Bitter Cherry seeds or saplings, garden gloves, trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Bitter Cherry in early spring or late fall when the soil is moist and temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil drains well; amend with compost if necessary. For containers, use a pot at least 30 cm wide and deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in fall or start them indoors 8 weeks before planting outside. Transplant saplings any time from early spring to late summer.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun or partial shade; water deeply once a week during dry spells. Prune in late winter to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune Bitter Cherry annually to encourage healthy growth and fruiting. Harvest fruits when they turn dark red.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: The Bitter Cherry (Prunus emarginata) is edible and its fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. The seeds are also edible but should be removed before consumption as they contain cyanide compounds. Typically, the fruit is used fresh in jams, jellies, or syrups. SKIP
Other uses:Weaving materialDyeFire starterPlasterLumberFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
10 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
10 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 10 native
Broader regions
native:Arizona, British Columbia, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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