Prunus cerasus L., Dwarf Cherry
Account Summary
Introduction, archaeophyte, occasional.
1899; Praeger, R.Ll.; Castle Coole estate.
May to November.
The geographical origin of this tetraploid, very acid-fruited (previously very aptly known as Sour Cherry) shrub or small tree is unknown, but it probably came from somewhere in SW Asia (Edlin 1964). P. cerasus has been known from ancient times and the Morello cherries and numerous cultivated hybrids are derived from it. Nowadays, it is found wild in B & I, in C & S Europe and in temperate Asia, extending northwards into Scandinavia (Roach 1985).
P. cerasus most typically grows naturalised or planted in hedges, the shrub often suckering freely along many metres. Lacking the vigour of P. avium (Wild Cherry), in hedgerows, however, it seldom exceeds about 3 m in height, although it is said to be capable of reaching up to 7-8 m or more in open growing conditions (Clapham et al. 1962). The branches tend to be rather blackish in colour, very much darker than those of P. avium.
Reproduction and dispersal
Dwarf Cherry reproduces both by seed and vegetatively by suckering from the roots. It is very often difficult or impossible, therefore, to discern if it has been planted as hedging, or is of bird-sown origin, subsequently establishing and spreading itself horizontally. Although isolated bird-sown P. cerasus plants are commonly reported, eg on walls, tall buildings, or in enclosures (Ridley 1930), there seems to be very little published information on which bird species are involved. Carrion Crows and the larger thrushes are the most likely transporters (Snow & Snow 1988, p. 166). P. cerasus stones have also been found in the droppings of badgers and foxes (Ridley 1930, pp. 352-3).
Fermanagh occurrence
As the tetrad distribution map illustrates, Dwarf Cherry is widely but thinly scattered throughout lowland Fermanagh, being represented in 80 tetrads, 15.2% of those in the VC. Due to this level of occurrence, RHN and the current author (RSF) believe most populations of this cherry in Fermanagh must represent persistent, naturalised hedgerow plantations on the margins of woods, along roadsides, rivers and lakeshores. Only the very occasional or fairly rare, more remote lakeshore thicket or solitary cliff shrub outliers can most probably be attributed to bird dispersal (Cat Alien Pl Ir).
British and Irish occurrence
In Ireland, the plant is widespread but most prevalent in the north. In Britain, it is more evenly scattered throughout England and Wales, becoming much more occasional or rare, eastern and coastal in Scotland (Preston et al. 2002). Having said this, confusion with P. avium both past and present makes the true distribution, and any changes occurring in it, uncertain to say the least (D.J. McCosh, in: Preston et al. 2002).