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Cherry, Black Tartarian Prunus avium

A very popular species of sweet cherry. Large purplish-black cherry. Ripens early. (Pollinate with Bing or a different sweet cherry variety.) (zones 5–7)

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Zones 5 - 7
Zones 5 - 7

Hardiness Zones: Zones 5 - 7
The Black Tartarian Cherry can be expected to grow in the zones shown in color in the arborday.org zone map. VIEW MAP

Fruit Tree
Fruit Tree

Type of tree:
The Black Tartarian Cherry falls into the following type(s): Fruit Trees

12' - 30' High
12' - 30' High

Mature Height:
The Black Tartarian Cherry grows to be 12' - 30' feet in height.

12' - 15' Spread
12' - 15' Spread

Mature Spread:
The Black Tartarian Cherry has a spread of about 12' - 15' at full maturity.

Medium Growth
Medium Growth

Growth Rate:
This tree grows at a medium growth rate. [More about this.]

Full Sun
Full Sun

Sun:
This cherry does well in full sun.

Various Soils
Various Soils

Soil:
This trees prefers light, sandy soil but grows in moist, well drained soil

Pyramidal Shape
Pyramidal Shape

Shape:
This cherry has pyramidal shape.

More Info
More Info

Attributes:
Excellent for the home orchard, the Black Tartarian cherry tree produces fruit with a sweet, rich, full bodied flavor. Begins bearing fruit 3-4 years after planting and will bear long into old age. The best pollinator for dark sweet cherries.

Description:
An exceptionally productive, vigorous sweet cherry tree. It grows tall for a fruit tree maturing at 30' or more. The flowers are white, 1 1/4" in diameter borne in well distributed clusters of twos and threes. Foliage is a dark, waxy green. It bears early, ripening from mid-June to early July depending upon the location. Eventually one tree may produce 3–4 bushels of cherries. This tree prefers light, sandy soil, but will grow in other soils that are moist and well drained. If possible, plant on an elevated site with good air and soil drainage. It needs at least 6–8 hours of full sun daily and water during dry periods. The cherries should be left on the tree until mature. Sweet cherry trees require minimal pruning. Prune annually in late winter or early spring. (Pollinate with a different sweet cherry variety) (zones 5–7)

Wildlife Value:
The cherries are eaten by a variety of birds and mammals. The leaves and branches are browsed.

History/Lore/Use:
This species was introduced from Russia to England in 1794 by Hugh Ronalds and named Ronald's Large Black Heart. It came to the United States in the early 1800s and has been popular ever since.

Height Variations:
The standard grows to 30' and dwarf grows to 12' - 15' in height.

Spread Variations:
Standard spread grows to 30' and dwarf grows to a 12'-15' spread.

Moisture:
This tree requires moist, well drained soil and is not drought tolerant.

Leaves:
Simple, alternate, often obvate with a sharp tip, 5 1/2" long with teeth on the margin that are sharp and sometimes blunted. Thin, waxy and dark green color on top.

Flower Color:
White

Bloom Time:
Early.

Fruit Description:
Heart shaped about 1" in diameter and usually purplish black, but occasionally red depending upon the site. Flesh is dark red, thick, tender, juicy and sweet with a smooth stone that separates easily.