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Description
Prunus Avium Bing, commonly known as the Bing cherry tree, is a deciduous fruit tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a cultivar of the sweet cherry tree that produces large, dark-red cherries with firm flesh and a sweet flavor. The tree is known for its attractive flowers that bloom in spring and its delicious fruit that ripens in early summer. It is widely grown in the United States and Europe for commercial and home use.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Prunus |
Appearance
The Bing cherry tree is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 30 feet tall and wide. It has a rounded shape with dense foliage of dark green, serrated leaves that turn yellow or red in the fall. The tree produces clusters of fragrant, white or pink flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge. The flowers are followed by the fruit that grows in pairs or clusters of 3-5 cherries. The fruit is large, heart-shaped, and dark red with a firm, juicy flesh and a sweet flavor.
Care Guide
Prunus Avium Bing is a relatively easy tree to grow and maintain. Here are some tips on how to care for your Bing cherry tree:
- Water: The tree should be watered regularly during the growing season, especially during hot and dry weather. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: The tree should be fertilized once a year in early spring with a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Soil: The tree prefers well-drained, fertile soil that is slightly acidic (pH 6.0-6.5).
- Sunlight: The tree requires full sun exposure (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) to grow and produce fruit.
- Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Prunus Avium Bing is susceptible to a few pests and diseases that can affect its growth and fruit production. Here are some common ones:
- Cherry fruit fly: This pest lays its eggs in the fruit, causing it to rot and drop prematurely. Use insecticide sprays to control the pest.
- Black knot: This fungal disease causes black, rough growths on the branches that can kill the tree over time. Prune the affected branches and use fungicide sprays to prevent the disease from spreading.
- Cytospora canker: This fungal disease causes sunken cankers on the branches that can girdle and kill the tree. Prune the affected branches and use fungicide sprays to prevent the disease from spreading.
Habitat
Prunus Avium Bing is native to Europe and Western Asia but has been widely introduced in other parts of the world, including the United States. It prefers cool, temperate climates with mild winters and moderate summers. The tree can grow in a wide range of soils but prefers well-drained, fertile soil that is slightly acidic. It is commonly grown in orchards and home gardens for its delicious fruit.
Question and Answer
Q: When do Bing cherry trees bloom?
A: Bing cherry trees bloom in early spring before the leaves emerge.
Q: How tall do Bing cherry trees grow?
A: Bing cherry trees can grow up to 30 feet tall and wide.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Bing cherry tree?
A: You should fertilize your Bing cherry tree once a year in early spring with a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Bing cherry trees?
A: Bing cherry trees are hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Related Plants
- Prunus Avium
- Prunus Cerasus
- Prunus Dulcis
- Prunus Armeniaca
References
- Dirr, M. A. (2009). Manual of woody landscape plants: their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses.
- Gough, R., & Williamson, J. (2002). The cherry: production, processing, and marketing.
- Hartmann, H. T., Kester, D. E., Davies Jr, F. T., & Geneve, R. L. (2010). Plant propagation: principles and practices.
