Tart Cherry

Planted at Mount Vernon

Fruit Garden & Nursery

Upper Garden

Hardiness Zones

Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

Cherry tree species grown primarily for fruit production bloom later than the ornamental varieties. Tart cherries perform best in the humid climate of Virginia's coastal region.

Latin Name

Prunus cerasus Montmorency

Family

Rosaceae

Type of Plant

Fruits

Trees

Bloom Season

April

Seasons

Spring

Specifications

Max Height: 30'

Max Spread: 30'

Uses

Edible

Flowering Tree

Sunlight Exposure

Full Sun

Attracted Wildlife

Birds

Colors

Native Range

Europe, southwest Asia

History

While legend has it that a young George cut down a cherry tree, this is a myth which originated in a biography written by Mason Locke Weems just after Washington's death. As an adult, Washington was growing cherry trees on his estate as early as 1760, grafting and planting many through the years. On January 6, 1798, his gardener’s report records “Pruning & Fastening Cherry trees on the Wall” of the Upper Garden.

Other Details

Pollinator

Grown by Washington

Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility. Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

Bring Washington's Garden Home

Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

Shop Now