Cherry, Mazzard

Main Content

SIU 150th logo

This tree is one of the 150 trees initially included in the arboretum to coincide with the campus's 150th anniversary celebration.

Scientific Name:
Prunus avium

Cultivar:

Native to:
Europe, Western Asia

Mature Height and Width:
30-40 feet by 30-40 feet, can reach 70 feet high

Additional Notes:
This is the old world wild cherry serving as the primary source from which the many varieties of domesticated cherries have been derived by plant breeders since ancient times.  Mazzard cherry has been naturalized in many other parts of the world, including the United States as seeds have been widely spread by birds and mammals attracted to the sweet fruit.

Photos: