Wild Cherry

Wild Black Cherry, Choke Cherry. Hardy landscape tree growing to 25 feet and covered with white blooms in the spring followed by reddish purple fruit, great for syrups and Jam. The bark has a distinctive bitter almond smell when mixed with water, decocted and mixed with honey for a traditional cough syrup. The wild cherry bark syrup is a well known remedy for respiratory complaints such as bronchitis and coughing associated with the common cold. It is also effective for diarrhea and indigestion in children and has a general tonifying effect on the body. Easy to keep pruned for sustainable bark harvesting and a great wildlife tree as many species besides humans are attracted to its tasty fruits. The Wild Cherry has lovely fall color and is very tolerant to heat and drought once established. Hardy to zones 2-9.