How to Tell Plum and Cherry Trees Apart: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Have you ever wondered how to distinguish between plum and cherry trees? While their blossoms may appear similar at first glance, there are several telltale signs that can help you identify each type of tree with ease. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key differences between plum and cherry trees, covering everything from their leaves and blossoms to their trunks and fruit.
Identifying Plum and Cherry Trees: A Step-by-Step Guide
Leaves
- Plum tree leaves: Typically reddish purple, although some varieties have green leaves. Darker leaves are a good indicator of plum trees.
- Cherry tree leaves: Green and unfold like a wallet. Smoother edges are generally a sign of cherry tree leaves, while toothed edges indicate plum tree leaves. However, some cherry varieties have finely toothed leaf edges, so it’s important to consider other characteristics as well.
Blossoms
- Plum tree blossoms: Round flower buds, each attached to the tree by a short, thin stem. Flowers have a strong, sweet fragrance and do not have a split at the tip of the petals.
- Cherry tree blossoms: Oval flower buds, with small clusters of blossoms growing from each bud. Flowers typically don’t have a significant fragrance and each petal has a small split at the tip.
Trunks
- Plum tree trunks: Dark and rough-looking bark, without horizontal lines.
- Cherry tree trunks: Gray bark with broken horizontal lines called “lenticels.”
Fruit
- Plums: Typically round or oval, with a smooth skin that can be various colors, including red, purple, or yellow.
- Cherries: Usually heart-shaped or round, with a smooth or slightly dimpled skin that is typically red or black.
Additional Tips
- Timing: Identifying plum and cherry trees is easiest when they are bearing fruit. However, it’s still possible to distinguish between the two types of trees when they are not fruiting by examining their leaves, blossoms, and trunks.
- Cross-pollination: Plum and cherry trees can cross-pollinate, which can result in hybrid trees that exhibit characteristics of both species.
- Ornamental vs. Fruiting Varieties: Ornamental plum trees, which are grown primarily for their flowers, often have reddish-colored leaves, while fruiting plum trees typically have green leaves.
Conclusion
With a little practice, you’ll be able to confidently identify plum and cherry trees based on their unique characteristics. Whether you’re an avid gardener, a nature enthusiast, or simply curious about the trees in your neighborhood, understanding the differences between these two types of trees will enhance your appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
