Bitter Cherry
The Misunderstood Cherry
What is it?
Bitter Cherry
The Misunderstood Cherry
What is it?

What Is It?

A small deciduous tree with fragrant white flowers and bright red cherries that are, well, bitter.

Where is it found?

Along streams and in moist areas of the Sierra Nevada.

What does it do?

Offers food for wildlife and stabilizes soil in riparian zones.

How Does It Reproduce?

By seeds and vigorous sprouting after disturbances like fire.

Climate it thrives in:

Moist environments with plenty of sunlight.

Vegetation characteristics:

● Height: Up to 50 feet
● Leaves: Oblong with fine teeth
● Flowers: White and fragrant

Ecology and wildlife support:

Fruits are eaten by birds and mammals; bark used by indigenous peoples for tools.

Fun facts:

  • Not palatable for humans but a hit among wildlife

  • Known for its rapid growth in favorable conditions

Why conserve it?

Essential for wildlife diets and riparian habitat stability.

Meet Other SPECIES

The American black bear (Ursus americanus), or simply black bear, is a species of medium-sized bear which is endemic to...
The Sierra Nevada mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa californica) is a rare, burrowing rodent native to high-elevation regions. Despite its name,...
The western bumble bee is a chunky, fuzzy bee with black and yellow stripes and a white rump on its...
The northwestern pond turtle (Actinemys marmorata) is a semi-aquatic reptile found in ponds, rivers, and lakes in the western U.S....

help protect gateway park species