Montmorency Cherry
Prunus cerasus
Montmorency Cherry (Prunus cerasus) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 10–20 ft tall and 10–20 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun. North Star = dwarf form 10' x 10'.
medium water10–20 ft tall and 10–20 ft wideToxic to dogs
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended
- Botanical name
- Prunus cerasus
- Variety / cultivar
- Montmorency, North Star
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 10–20 ft tall and 10–20 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~20 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom time
- early spring, mid spring
- Pollinator value
- high
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessCold rarely kills the tree; our late spring frosts kill the open flowers instead, so fruit set is hit or miss from year to year.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
- Borers (peachtree and lesser borer)
- Black knot (galls on twigs)
- Aphids and leaf curl
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Montmorency Cherry good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Montmorency Cherry is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Montmorency Cherry get?
- It matures to about 10–20 ft tall and 10–20 ft wide.
- How much room does Montmorency Cherry need?
- Give Montmorency Cherry about 20 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Montmorency Cherry grow into?
- Montmorency Cherry typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Montmorency Cherry hardy on the Front Range?
- Montmorency Cherry is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: Cold rarely kills the tree; our late spring frosts kill the open flowers instead, so fruit set is hit or miss from year to year.
- How much water does Montmorency Cherry need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Montmorency Cherry grow?
- Montmorency Cherry is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Montmorency Cherry live?
- Montmorency Cherry has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Montmorency Cherry safe for dogs?
- No. Montmorency Cherry is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Montmorency Cherry deer-resistant?
- No. Montmorency Cherry is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Montmorency Cherry prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Montmorency Cherry can be affected by borers (peachtree and lesser borer) and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
