Are Weeping Cherry Tree Cherries: Edible or Toxic
Have you ever admired a weeping cherry tree in full bloom, its delicate pink or white flowers creating a cascade of beauty? As the blossoms fade, small, cherry-like fruits often appear. This can spark curiosity, especially for gardeners or parents with young children or pets. A common question that arises is Are Weeping Cherry Tree Cherries Edible or Toxic? This post will provide clear answers, helping you appreciate these trees safely and understand what to do with their fruit. You’ll learn about the specific varieties and potential risks, empowering you to make informed decisions.
Weeping cherry trees are cherished for their ornamental beauty. Their graceful, drooping branches adorned with masses of flowers in spring create a stunning spectacle. Many people wonder about the small fruits that sometimes develop after the flowers fall.
This leads to a very important question for anyone with these trees in their yard or who encounters them: Are Weeping Cherry Tree Cherries Edible or Toxic? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no for all weeping cherry varieties, and it’s vital to know the difference to ensure safety for yourself, your family, and your pets.
The fruits of many ornamental cherry trees, including most weeping varieties, are technically cherries but are not typically cultivated for eating. These ornamental cherries are often quite small, tart, and may not be palatable. More importantly, the seeds and leaves of many cherry trees, including ornamental types, contain compounds that can be harmful if ingested in sufficient quantities.
Understanding Ornamental Cherry Trees
Ornamental cherry trees, such as the popular weeping varieties like ‘Pendula’, ‘Snow Fountains’, and ‘Kwanzan’ (though Kwanzan is not always weeping), are primarily grown for their aesthetic appeal. Their genetic makeup has been selected and bred over time for flower production, bloom density, and unique growth habits rather than for fruit quality.
While they belong to the same genus, Prunus, as the sweet cherries (Prunus avium) and sour cherries (Prunus cerasus) that we enjoy eating, their fruit characteristics differ significantly. The fruits produced by ornamental weeping cherries are often smaller, less fleshy, and have a bitter taste compared to their edible cousins.
The Difference Between Ornamental and Edible Cherries
The key distinction lies in their purpose and cultivation. Edible cherry trees are specifically bred for their fruit. Growers select for sweetness, size, texture, and yield.
Ornamental cherry trees, on the other hand, are selected for their visual qualities: the number of flowers, the color of the blossoms, the shape of the tree, and its overall form.
This selective breeding means that even though a weeping cherry tree produces fruit that looks like a cherry, its chemical composition and palatability are generally not suitable for human consumption. The fruits are often more like drupes, small and somewhat dry, with a large central pit.
Are Weeping Cherry Tree Cherries Edible or Toxic
When considering Are Weeping Cherry Tree Cherries Edible or Toxic, it’s crucial to understand the components of the cherry fruit and the tree itself. The flesh of the fruit from most ornamental weeping cherry trees is generally considered non-toxic but is often unpalatable due to its tartness or bitterness. The real concern lies with other parts of the plant and, in some cases, the seeds of the fruit.
The pits, leaves, bark, and roots of most cherry trees, including ornamental varieties, contain cyanogenic glycosides. When these compounds are broken down in the digestive system, they can release hydrogen cyanide, a potent poison. While a small amount is unlikely to cause serious harm to an adult, it can be dangerous for children or pets if consumed in larger quantities.
The Role of Cyanogenic Glycosides
Cyanogenic glycosides are natural compounds found in many plants. In cherries, these are concentrated in the seeds (pits) and to a lesser extent in the leaves and bark. The flesh of the cherry fruit contains very little of these compounds, which is why the fruit itself is generally not the primary source of toxicity.
However, if someone were to chew and swallow a large number of cherry pits, or if animals were to consume a significant amount of leaves or pits, cyanide poisoning could occur. Symptoms can range from mild digestive upset, such as nausea and vomiting, to more severe issues like difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, and in extreme cases, convulsions or death.
Common Weeping Cherry Varieties and Their Fruit
Let’s look at some common weeping cherry varieties:
- Prunus subhirtella ‘Pendula’ (Weeping Higan Cherry): Produces small, red to black fruits that are generally not eaten by humans. The pits can be toxic.
- Prunus ‘Snow Fountains’ (Weeping Snow Fountain Cherry): Similar to ‘Pendula’, it produces small, inconspicuous red fruits. The pits and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides.
- Prunus serrulata ‘Kiku-shidare-zakura’ (Weeping Pink Flowering Cherry): This variety also yields small, ornamental fruits that are not typically consumed. The pits and foliage should be considered potentially toxic.
It is important to note that even within ornamental varieties, there can be slight variations in fruit production and composition. However, it is always safest to err on the side of caution.
Can You Eat Weeping Cherry Tree Cherries
Directly answering the question, Can you eat weeping cherry tree cherries? The flesh of the fruit from most ornamental weeping cherry trees is generally considered safe to eat in small quantities. However, they are usually very tart, sour, or bitter, making them unappealing for consumption.
The primary reason why most people do not eat them is their poor flavor and small size, not an immediate threat of severe poisoning from the flesh alone.
The risk arises if one consumes the pits or a large amount of foliage. Therefore, while a stray cherry fruit might not cause harm, actively harvesting and eating them is not recommended, especially for children who might not distinguish between edible and ornamental cherries and could inadvertently consume pits.
Taste and Palatability
Compared to the cultivated sweet cherries (Prunus avium) known for their juicy sweetness, or sour cherries (Prunus cerasus) used in pies and preserves, the fruit of ornamental weeping cherries falls far short. They are often described as mealy, astringent, or simply unpleasant. Their primary function is to attract birds, which can help with seed dispersal, or simply to be a decorative element.
Potential for Accidental Ingestion
The main concern with children is their curiosity. If they see small, cherry-like fruits, they might be tempted to eat them. While the flesh may not be acutely toxic, the habit of putting anything and everything into their mouths can lead to them ingesting the pits, which poses a risk.
Safety Precautions for Weeping Cherry Trees
Given the potential for toxicity from the pits and leaves, it is wise to take certain safety precautions if you have weeping cherry trees or encounter them in public spaces.
For Homeowners
- Educate Children and Pets: Make sure children understand that not all fruits are safe to eat and that they should not consume the fruits or seeds from ornamental trees. Similarly, prevent pets from nibbling on leaves or fallen fruits.
- Clear Fallen Fruit: Regularly clear away fallen fruits and pits, especially if you have pets or very young children who spend a lot of time in the yard. This reduces the temptation for accidental ingestion.
- Supervise Outdoor Play: Always supervise young children when they are playing in areas where these trees are present.
For Public Spaces
If you are visiting a park or public garden with weeping cherry trees, maintain awareness. While these trees are usually planted for beauty and are generally safe when admired from a distance, it’s good practice to keep children and pets from consuming any fallen fruits or plant parts.
Comparing Ornamental Cherries to Edible Varieties
To further clarify the question of Are Weeping Cherry Tree Cherries Edible or Toxic, a comparison with edible cherry varieties is helpful.
| Feature | Ornamental Weeping Cherry Fruit | Edible Cherry Fruit (e.g., Bing, Montmorency) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Ornamental, aesthetic beauty | Cultivated for fruit production and consumption |
| Size | Small, often pea-sized | Larger, plump |
| Taste | Tart, bitter, astringent, unpalatable | Sweet or tart (depending on variety), juicy, desirable |
| Flesh Toxicity | Generally non-toxic, but not for eating | Edible and nutritious |
| Pit Toxicity | Contains cyanogenic glycosides, toxic if ingested in quantity | Contains cyanogenic glycosides, toxic if ingested in quantity |
| Leaf/Bark Toxicity | Contains cyanogenic glycosides, can be toxic | Contains cyanogenic glycosides, can be toxic |
This table highlights that while both types of cherries have toxic pits and foliage, the primary difference for human consumption lies in the fruit flesh itself. Ornamental cherries are not bred for flavor or texture, making them undesirable for eating, whereas edible cherries are cultivated for these very qualities.
What to Do If Someone Ingests Weeping Cherry Fruit Parts
If you suspect that someone, especially a child or a pet, has ingested a significant amount of weeping cherry tree fruit pits, leaves, or bark, it is important to seek medical or veterinary advice promptly. Do not wait for symptoms to appear, as early intervention can be critical.
Key actions to take:
- Identify the Plant: If possible, take a photo or a sample of the plant material ingested.
- Estimate Quantity: Try to estimate how much was eaten.
- Contact Poison Control or Veterinarian: For humans, contact a poison control center immediately. For pets, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline.
They will be able to provide guidance based on the type of cherry tree and the amount ingested.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Are the cherries from a weeping cherry tree poisonous to eat
Answer: The flesh of the cherries from most weeping cherry trees is generally not considered acutely poisonous, but it is typically very tart or bitter and not palatable for consumption. The primary concern is with the pits, leaves, and bark, which contain cyanogenic glycosides that can release cyanide and are toxic if ingested in sufficient quantities.
Question: Can my dog eat weeping cherry tree cherries
Answer: It is not recommended for your dog to eat weeping cherry tree cherries. While the flesh may not be immediately harmful in small amounts, the pits contain toxic compounds. Ingesting pits, leaves, or bark can lead to cyanide poisoning in dogs, with symptoms ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to more severe respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
Question: Are ornamental cherry tree fruits safe for birds
Answer: Yes, birds often eat the small fruits of ornamental cherry trees. They are a food source for many bird species, and the birds help in dispersing the seeds. The small amount of fruit they consume is generally not harmful to them.
Question: What if I accidentally ate a weeping cherry fruit
Answer: If you accidentally ate just one or two fruits of a weeping cherry tree, and did not consume any pits, you are unlikely to experience any adverse effects. The flesh itself is generally not highly toxic. However, if you consumed pits or feel unwell, it is best to monitor yourself and contact a healthcare professional if you have concerns.
Question: How do I tell if a cherry tree is ornamental or edible
Answer: Ornamental cherry trees are typically grown for their flowers and unique tree forms, not their fruit. Their fruits are usually small, less fleshy, and often tart or bitter. Edible cherry trees are specifically cultivated for their fruit, which is larger, juicier, and sweet or tart in a desirable way for consumption.
You can often identify edible varieties by their fruit quality and by checking the tree’s name or variety, as edible types are usually labeled as such by nurseries.
Final Thoughts
When considering Are Weeping Cherry Tree Cherries Edible or Toxic, the key takeaway is that while the flesh of ornamental weeping cherry fruits might not be acutely dangerous, they are not intended for human consumption due to their poor taste and texture. The real hazard lies in the pits, leaves, and bark, which contain cyanogenic glycosides that can be toxic if ingested in significant amounts, particularly for children and pets. It’s important to educate yourself and those around you about the potential risks associated with ornamental cherry trees.
By taking simple precautions like supervising children and pets, and clearing fallen fruit, you can safely enjoy the beauty of these trees without worry. Focus on admiring their stunning blossoms and graceful form, rather than experimenting with their fruit. If you are looking for cherries to eat, it’s best to seek out varieties specifically cultivated for their delicious fruit from reputable growers.
