Sargent Flowering Cherry

The Cherry, Sargent, Prunus sargentii, is not only the hardiest of the ornamental cherry trees, but also one of the largest and most beautiful. The tree's abundant spring flowers are deep pink and appear a week or so before most double flowering cherries. Black fruits, beloved by birds, appear in summer. The Sargent cherry tree has polished, chestnut brown bark and dark green deciduous leaves that turn red in fall. Plant Sargent in full sun in well drained soil. It is not difficult to transplant, and lives longer than other cherry trees, sometimes more than 50 years. Cherry trees can be used as specimens and shade trees on larger properties.