Prunus avium 'CVI' - Web page Navigation - Certified Virus Indexed Mazzard Cherry, Gean, Sweet Cherry, Wild Cherry Page

Certified Virus Indexed Prunus avium is also known as Mazzard Cherry, Gean, Sweet Cherry, or Wild Cherry. Prunus avium is a deciduous tree growing to 40–100 feet tall, with a trunk up to 5 ft in diameter. Young trees show strong apical dominance with a straight trunk and symmetrical conical crown, becoming rounded to irregular on old trees. The bark is smooth purplish-brown with prominent horizontal grey-brown lenticels on young trees, becoming thick dark blackish-brown and fissured on old trees.
The leaves are alternate, simple, and toothed on the margin, with 2 small glands at base of blade. They are 5–12 cm (2–5 in) long and 2–5 cm (1–2 in) wide, with a pointed tip. The flowers are white, 1.5–2 cm (0.6–0.8 in) in diameter, and are borne in clusters of 3–5. They bloom in early spring, before the leaves emerge.
The fruit is a fleshy drupe, 1–2 cm (0.4–0.8 in) in diameter, with a single large seed. The fruits are red, black, or yellow, and ripen in late spring or early summer. They are edible, but can be rather bitter, so opt for a cultivar if your main reason for growing it is to produce edible fruits. This species is mainly used for rootstock.
Prunus avium is a valuable tree for a number of reasons. It is a beautiful ornamental tree, with its delicate white flowers and colorful fruits. It is also a valuable source of timber, and its wood is used in a variety of applications, including furniture, flooring, and musical instruments. The bark of the tree contains a compound called salicin, which is a precursor to aspirin.
Prunus avium is a relatively hardy tree, and can tolerate a wide range of climates. It is also relatively resistant to pests and diseases.
If you are looking for a beautiful and versatile tree to add to your landscape, Prunus avium is a great choice. It is a long-lived tree that will provide you with enjoyment for many years to come.