Washington, D.C. Tidal Basin showing cherry trees in flower Cherry tree blossoms Formation of the cherry fruit at beginning of May (France)

A cherry is both a tree and its fleshy fruit, a type known as a drupe with a single hard pit enclosing the seed. The cherry belongs to the Family Rosaceae, Genus Prunus (along with almonds, peaches, plums, and apricots). Sweet and tart cherries are different species: P. avium and P. cerasus, respectively. Cherries may also be grown seedless.

In the United States, most sweet cherries are grown in the West. California and Washington supply mainly sweet cherries intended for fresh use. The most common sweet cherry varieties include the Bing, King, Brooks, Tulare, and Ranier. Oregon and Michigan provide light-colored Royal Ann (Napoleon) cherries for the maraschino cherry process. Most tart cherries are grown in four states bordering the Great Lakes – Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

Some flowering cherry trees (known as 'ornamental cherries') do not bear edible fruit. They are grown purely for their blossom and decorative value. The Japanese sakura, in particular, is a national symbol celebrated in the yearly Hanami festival.

Cherries have a very short fruiting season. In Australia, they are usually at their peak around Christmas time, and in the UK they are generally ready for picking in early summer. Annual world production (as of 2003) of cherries is about 3 million tonnes (one third are sour cherries).

See also

• Morello Cherry
• Fruit trees
• Fruit tree forms
• Pruning fruit trees
• Fruit tree propagation
• Trees of Britain