This is a smaller tree, at a mature size of 25’ tall by 25’ wide, so it will fit nicely into many landscapes. One of the most ornamental flowering cherries, the Kwanzan or Kanzan Cherry (Prunus serrulata ‘Kwanzan’), is a cultivar with showy, deep pink, double flowers blooming in April. While it is prone to some disease and pest problems, such as leaf spot, aphids, and scale, we recommend this tree to anyone with enough space, who likes the idea of restoring native wildlife habitat.Īlong with the native species, we also recommend a Japanese cherry tree for anyone looking for a touch of color on the bright blue spring sky. Being a large tree, at 50-80 feet tall with a 30-60 foot spread, it will provide shade, slightly fragrant flowers in late April-May, and good yellow to rose fall color. Black cherry trees also become extremely valuable in maturity, as the heart wood is used in woodworking and cabinetry for its beautiful dark, straight grain. This species is attractive to birds and other small wildlife, and will thrive with our natural weather patterns here. The native black cherry, or Prunus serotina, is a great tree to use for a native habitat planting.

Different species prove themselves better for these different uses, and there’s sure to be a great spot in your landscape for one of them.

It can be used as a native tree for wildlife, as a small to medium flowering tree for spring color, or in a weeping form to serve as a specimen focal point or accent. There are a few different ways to use the genus, Prunus, here in Indiana.

One of the most beautiful flowering trees that we believe is under-utilized in the landscape is the delightful cherry tree.

Cherrytree wood projects