Sheffield's Seed Company Page

Experience the beauty and value of the Prunus mahaleb, also known as Mahaleb Cherry, Rock Cherry, or St. Lucie Cherry, a unique species native to the Mediterranean region, Iran, and parts of central Asia. Not limited to these regions, this cherry tree has also naturalised in northwestern Europe and parts of Australia and the United States.
Beyond its ornamental charm, highlighted by its vibrant, fragrant flowers that bloom in mid-spring, the Prunus mahaleb is also cultivated for the seeds within its cherry stones. Once ground, the fragrant seeds are used as a spice in breads and pastries, providing a nuanced bitter almond flavor with a hint of cherry.
Thriving in thickets and open woodlands in dry slopes and highlands up to 6,500 ft, the Prunus mahaleb showcases selective fruit abortion to enhance the viability of its seeds and the quality of its fruits. Its intimate relationship with frugivorous birds is pivotal for seed dispersal, contributing to the tree's prolific nature.
In addition to its culinary use, the mahaleb cherry's hard wood is often used in cabinet-making and pipe manufacturing. Valued for its coumarin content, the bark, wood, and seeds are known to have anti-inflammatory, sedative and vasodilation effects. The Prunus mahaleb is an all-around charmer, boasting ornamental, gastronomical, medicinal, and ecological significance. Experience the diversity and value of nature with the multifaceted Prunus mahaleb.