Prunus × schmittii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prunus × schmittii |
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Prunus
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× schmittii
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Prunus × schmittii, also known as Schmitt's cherry, is a special kind of flowering cherry tree. It's a "hybrid" species, which means it was created by crossing two different types of cherry trees: the gray-leaf cherry (Prunus canescens) and the sweet cherry (Prunus avium). Think of it like mixing two different ingredients to make something new and unique!
This tree is very popular for planting in cities, especially along streets. It's great for narrow spaces because it grows tall and slender, almost like a cone. It doesn't spread out too wide, making it a perfect fit for urban areas.
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About Schmitt's Cherry
Schmitt's cherry first became known in 1923. It's a tree that grows quite fast. It usually reaches a height of about 7 to 12 meters (around 23 to 39 feet). In places where it's very happy, it can even grow up to 15 meters (about 49 feet) tall!
What Does It Look Like?
Schmitt's cherry trees have beautiful features throughout the year.
Flowers
In April, this cherry tree bursts with small, pale pink flowers. They often look like tiny stars or propellers. These flowers are very important because they produce a lot of pollen. This pollen attracts bees and other helpful insects, which then carry the pollen to other flowers, helping the trees make fruit.
Fruit
After the flowers bloom, small red fruits appear. These fruits are called "drupes," which is a fancy word for a fruit with a single pit inside, like a cherry or a peach. Birds absolutely love to eat these small red drupes!
Bark and Leaves
The bark of the Schmitt's cherry tree is very shiny and has a lovely mahogany brown color. You might notice prominent horizontal lines or marks on the bark; these are called "lenticels" and they help the tree breathe. In the fall, the leaves turn a vibrant orange-yellow color, adding a splash of warmth to the landscape before they drop.
Where Can You Find It?
You can find Schmitt's cherry trees available from plant nurseries. They offer varieties that have either a single main trunk or multiple stems, so you can choose the type that best fits your garden or street planting needs.
