This shade loving understory tree remains subtle in the landscape for most of the year. In spring though, the long clusters of fragrant white flowers are very captivating, especially for a small tree which often grows in a lot of shade. A GREAT choice for planting under black walnut trees!
The fruit is astringent and nutritious, and birds love it. Reportedly a historically important source of fruit for some Indigenous Americans, but according to Sam Thayer, this was probably more in the mid-west where the fruit tends to be black and sweet, not red and astringent.
The less than beautiful common name comes from the toxicity of the leaves to ruminant animals (cows, deer etc.). Maybe a good name would just be “Little Wild Cherry”.
Growth Parameters:
Expect a small tree under 15 feet which can become more bushy via rooting stems in lighter soils. Not thicket forming. Generally found in the wild along the sides of hedgerows or in under-stories, but could certainly do fine in a full sun context.
Tree Sizes
Small Trees can generally be managed from ground level.
Orchard sized trees can often be managed from ground level but generally will require a ladder for pruning and harvesting at maturity.
Full size trees are large trees that, after a certain point, will require assistance from an arborist to manage pruning safely.
