What kind of cherry tree is this? - Ask Extension
I am unsure how we missed the fruit on this tree in the two years we have lived here, but my husband and I discovered the thousands of cherries dangli...
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What kind of cherry tree is this? #407699
Asked June 16, 2017, 8:39 PM EDT
I am unsure how we missed the fruit on this tree in the two years we have lived here, but my husband and I discovered the thousands of cherries dangling from this beauty earlier today. We live in the panhandle of West Virginia.
The problem is, we have no prior knowledge of the trees history or when it was planted. The house itself is about 50 years old. As included in the photos, the fruit is a dark red, the cherries are small, and they tasted both sweet and tart (they may not be ripe yet.)
Does anyone know what type of cherries they are? Sweet or sour? When they typically fully ripen? And any approximate idea of the age of a tree like this???
The problem is, we have no prior knowledge of the trees history or when it was planted. The house itself is about 50 years old. As included in the photos, the fruit is a dark red, the cherries are small, and they tasted both sweet and tart (they may not be ripe yet.)
Does anyone know what type of cherries they are? Sweet or sour? When they typically fully ripen? And any approximate idea of the age of a tree like this???
Berkeley County West Virginia
Expert Response
Good afternoon.
My name is Brad Cochran and I am an Extension Agent with WV State University Extension Service, located just outside of Charleston, WV.
It is difficult to determine exact varieties of cherry, or any fruit for that matter, from photos and comparisons. The only way to know for sure is to have tissue analysis done on the leaves, fruits, etc. for comparisons against the genetics of known varieties. In the Eastern Panhandle, I'm not sure if there are labs that do this or not, but I would start with the Small Fruits Researchers at the USDA-Agricultural Research Service out of Kearneysville. Their experts could either provide this service for you or at at least get you pointed in the right direction. Here is a link to their website to get you started: https://www.ars.usda.gov/northeast-area/kearneysville-wv/
Thanks,
Brad Cochran
WVSU Extension Service
<personal data hidden>
My name is Brad Cochran and I am an Extension Agent with WV State University Extension Service, located just outside of Charleston, WV.
It is difficult to determine exact varieties of cherry, or any fruit for that matter, from photos and comparisons. The only way to know for sure is to have tissue analysis done on the leaves, fruits, etc. for comparisons against the genetics of known varieties. In the Eastern Panhandle, I'm not sure if there are labs that do this or not, but I would start with the Small Fruits Researchers at the USDA-Agricultural Research Service out of Kearneysville. Their experts could either provide this service for you or at at least get you pointed in the right direction. Here is a link to their website to get you started: https://www.ars.usda.gov/northeast-area/kearneysville-wv/
Thanks,
Brad Cochran
WVSU Extension Service
<personal data hidden>
