The deciduous wild cherry is easily recognizable by its smooth, ringed bark. The horizontal bands of corky warts stand out as a characteristic feature against the reddish-brown bark. For about 2,500 years, the wild form has been used not only for its fruit but also domesticated. All sweet cherry varieties are descended from this wild plant, which was cultivated in Greece long before the Common Era. The legions eventually brought it across the Alps via Rome. The wild cherry's abundant blossoms develop before the leaves emerge in April and May. At this time, the entire tree is covered with pure white flowers, usually growing in clusters. The drupes then ripen in July, ranging in color from red to dark and blackish-red, becoming glossy. Incidentally, wild cherry fruits are just as edible as regular sweet cherries. They are smaller, but quite juicy. In autumn, the wild cherry's leaves turn a vibrant red before being shed for the winter.
Natural habitat: Originally native to Greece, the wild cherry can be found throughout Europe, as well as in Asia Minor and the Caucasus, with the exception of the far north and northeast.
