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

A tall, stunning pine with cinnamon-brown bark that smells like butterscotch. (Yes, seriously—sniff it!)...
This weedy wonder is like that friend who crashes the party and sticks around—literally. Its seeds cling to your socks,...
A sleek, grass-like plant with sharp, sword-shaped leaves—nature's minimalist design....
A species of North American freshwater fish, native to and commonly found in streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and wetlands east...

help protect gateway park species