Bonnie in Normal is curious about what type of cultivar the cherry tree in her grandmother's yard could be. It's early ripening with thin-skinned, fire engine red cherries.
- Based on Bonnie's description of the tree, GLT's Grow host Patrick Murphy said it was likely a common type of sour cherry, prunus cerasus, not to be confused with prunus avium, which is a sweet cherry variety.
Credit Bonnie Carroll/This cherry tree is likely about 50 years old. - The sour cherry is not native to America. They originated in the Caspian Sea area and were brought here by immigrants. There's a cherry tree that represents 95 percent of the sour cherries in America and it's the Montmorency. These cherries make great pies!
- Murph said it's probable Bonnie's tree was planted about fifty years ago.
- There is a possibility the tree could be an Early Richmond Cherry Tree. Checking old seed and horticulture catalogs could help settle the question. They are available on the internet.
Credit Bonnie Carroll/Tart cherry from Bonnie's grandmother's tree.
