Prunus avium; 'Wild Cherry'

The Wild Cherry is a species of Cherry, native to Europe and western Asia (also known as the Sweet Cherry). This tree is deciduous , grows to 9m to 15m tall and lives for 200 years. This tree is found in all woods and hedgerows throughout Great Britian except Northern Scotland.It grows best in sunny positions and prefers fertile soils. This tree can been seen growing wild in Europe.

This tree grows best on clay soils over chalk or limestone because of this it can be found in the Chilterns, the Cotswolds, the Wiltshire Downs and parts of Sussex. The leaves of the wild cherry are a pointed oval shape about 10cm in length with serrated edges. The leaves are bright green in spring and summer and turn bright shades of yellow and red in the autumn months .

The  bark is very colourful and adds to the attraction of the tree it is shiny brown and peels away in horizontal strips.

The cherry tree produces edible fruit, the wild cherry has been a favourite of humans since at least the Bronze Age. They also provide food for a variety of birds within the summer months. The tree is also grown for its timber. The tree is popular with gardeners because of its beautiful display of white/pink blossom in the spring. This tree can be seen growing wild throughout in Europe.