Written by Althea Tan in Gardening
Viewed by 177 readers since 01-31-2009

Cherry is a word derived from the name of an ancient city in Turkey. This word depicts the tree and the fruit it produces as well. The fruit is classified as a drupe; its center is a single hard core holding the seed. The skin is smooth and some fruits have a small groove down the side. There are hundreds of different varieties of cherry, giving you a lot of good reasons why you should grow one in your yard.

There are 2 main groups of cherries: wild cherries and sour cherries. These 2 groups of cherries originated in Europe and Western Asia. Wild cherries are usually eaten alone and are the ones usually available in stores. Sour cherries, on the other hand, are not usually eaten alone. They are usually used in cooking and making jams and jellies.

There are more to cherries than just being delicious fruits. They are also known for their beautiful flowers, often called cherry blossoms. These clusters of flowers as so stunning that they have inspired various songwriters, poets, and painters.

1. Black Cherries

Aside from being the tallest cherry tree, black cherries are popular for producing beautiful clusters of white flowers. The fruit is small and black, and ready to be picked during the summer. Black cherries, though, are very susceptible to certain caterpillars and tend to fall on their own and stain concrete. Hence, it is better to keep them in a grassy area rather than near a sidewalk.

2. Purple Leaved Plum

The purple leaved plum is a misnomer because it is not actually a plum. Instead, it is a larger type of cherry. Known for its strikingly purple flowers, the purple leaved plum is again one of the most beautiful types of cherry trees. The flowers usually change from deep purple to light pink during the course of its flowering season. Regardless of its color, it sure will make you proud to own such a colorful tree. Aside from that, this particular tree is also resistant to pests.

3. Amur Chokeberry

This type of cherry is most known for its golden bark on its trunk and branches. The flowers are very small and white and bloom in the middle of spring. The tree grows only in moist but well-drained soil. Hence, choosing Amur Chokeberry might not be a good idea if your yard does not have an abundant water supply. This tree can be prone to pest infestation and disease, but if you live in a very cold climate, then you have nothing to worry about. Although this tree requires high maintenance, the cherries are so delicious and the flowers are one of the most lavish.

With the numerous types of cherries available, you surely will find the cherry tree that fits your preferences as well as your yard. They produce luscious fruits, and the cherry blossoms are remarkably breathtaking and head-turning. So go to a nursery as soon as you can. Find out what types of cherry trees are suitable in your area and be a proud owner of a cherry tree.