Pin cherry

Prunus pensylvanica

Native
Short-lived

Pet & Human Safety

Toxic to people and pets

Human edibility

Edible

Edible parts

ripe fruit flesh (pits removed)

Hazardous parts

bark, flowers, leaves, stems (these four are NC State's Poison Part field), pits (from NC State's symptom text: 'The pits contain cyanide compounds')

Preparation

NC State: fruit that has not been pitted should not be blended into a smoothie; pits are more poisonous crushed or chewed.

Hazard type

cyanogenic glycoside (amygdalin)

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

Toxic to pets at the scope stated in the source line. Keep it away from dogs and cats. Scope of the source: whole-genus (Prunus spp.).

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA hardiness zones 3a to 7b (US system).
Mature size: Height may reach 30 ft or more; generally short-lived (20-40 years).
Family: Rosaceae (rose family)
Where it comes from: Much of Canada south to Georgia in the Appalachian mountains (NC State); in North Carolina found only in the mountains.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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