Pin Cherry

(Prunus pensylvanica)

Other Names:

Bird cherry, fire cherry, pin cherry, red cherry

Range:

Family:

Rosaceae – Rose family

Growth Type:

A shrub or small tree

Height:

Can grow up to 50ft tall

Leaves:

Oval, 1½ - 4¼ inches long, and ½ - 1¾ inches wide. The edges are sharply serrated, and typically sharp pointed at the tip. The leaves are dull green on top and lighter grayish green underneath. The petioles are usually ¾ to 1¼ inches long.

Stem/Trunk:

The bark ranges in color from brown to brownish gray. The bark of mature specimens will often times apear to be peeling.

Root:

Spreading root system

Flower Season:

Spring

Flower Appearance:

Individual flowers are about 1/3 inch across, have five petals, and are borne in groupings of 5 to 7 individuals. Each flower is typically less than ½ inch across.

Seed/Fruit:

The fruit, or dropes, are less than 1 cm diameter, and ripen to a bright red color. They are quite astringent, and sour in flavor. They ripen in late summer. The very ripe berries are dark in color and less astringent than the red berries.

Miscellaneous characteristics:

The seeds, leaves, and twigs of Pin Cherry are highly toxic. They contain high levels of the Cyanogenic glycoside, amygdalin. You body can convert this into hydrocyanic acid.

Habitat:

Prefers rich, moist, soils of wet and or swampy areas.

Parts Used:

Food: Fruit
Medicine: Bark, Roots

Culinary Uses:

The fruit is usually too bitter and astringent to be eaten fresh, but is better if it is made into jam, jelly, or preserves.

Energetics:

Taste: Bitter/Sweet
Thermal: Cooling
Humidity: Drying

Traditional Medicinal Uses:

An infusion of the bark has been used in the treatment of fevers, bronchitis, coughs and colds, infections and blood poisoning. A decoction of the inner bark has been used in the treatment of laryngitis. A poultice of the boiled, shredded inner bark has been applied to a bleeding umbilical cord. An infusion of the inner bark has been used as an eye wash for sore eyes. The astringent root bark has been used as a wash on old sores and ulcers. A decoction of the root has been used as a treatment for stomach pains. The fruit is often used domestically in the preparation of cough mixtures.

Indications:

Bronchitis, Cough, Fever, Laryngitis, Upper Respiratory Infection.

Medicinal Actions:
Anti-Inflammatory, Astringent, Bitter, Sedative, Tonic