Amur cherry, also known as Amur chokecherry, is an absolute gem in the northern landscape because it is truly a four-season plant. This tree has so much going for it; showy racemes of white flowers in spring, cheery bright green foliage in summer, chains of reddish-black berries in late summer, and a delightful lemon-yellow fall color. The berries are edible, but very small and very bitter; they are best left for the birds. The bark is a sight to behold; a rich bronze to cinnamon color, which peels somewhat like birch bark, and looks magnificent in winter. It typically grows about 25 feet tall, and is the perfect size for the small home landscape. Amur cherry makes an excellent feature tree, and should always be used as a solitary. |