Bing Cherry
Prunus avium 'Bing'
Bing Cherry (Prunus avium 'Bing') is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 15–25 ft tall and 15–25 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun. Seldom sets fruit along the front range; needs a cross pollinizer.
medium water15–25 ft tall and 15–25 ft wideToxic to dogs
Photos
- Photo 1: "Wild Cherry (Prunus avium) blossom" by Peter O'Connor aka anemoneprojectors is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 2: "Cherry. Prunus avium. La Belgique horticole, journal des jardins et des vergers, v.8 (1858)" by Swallowtail Garden Seeds is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
- Photo 3: "Prunus-avium" by Sten Porse is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
- Photo 4: "Prunus avium fruit1" by No machine-readable author provided. MPF assumed (based on copyright claims). is licensed under CC BY 2.5. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/.
- Photo 5: MPF
- Photo 6: "Prunus avium fruit" by MPF is licensed under CC BY 2.5. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/.
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 15–25 ft tall and 15–25 ft wide
- Mature form
- Oval / upright
- Spacing / clearance
- ~25 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Short-lived
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- early spring, mid spring
- Bloom color
- white
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessCold rarely kills the tree; our late spring frosts kill the open flowers instead, so fruit set is hit or miss from year to year.
Common problems on the Front Range
- Borers (peachtree and lesser borer)
- Black knot (galls on twigs)
- Aphids and leaf curl
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Bing Cherry good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Bing Cherry is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Bing Cherry get?
- It matures to about 15–25 ft tall and 15–25 ft wide.
- How much room does Bing Cherry need?
- Give Bing Cherry about 25 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Bing Cherry grow into?
- Bing Cherry typically grows into an upright-oval crown, taller than it is wide. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Bing Cherry hardy on the Front Range?
- Bing Cherry is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: Cold rarely kills the tree; our late spring frosts kill the open flowers instead, so fruit set is hit or miss from year to year.
- How much water does Bing Cherry need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Bing Cherry grow?
- Bing Cherry is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Bing Cherry live?
- Bing Cherry is relatively short-lived for a tree, so plan to replace it sooner than a long-lived shade tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- Is Bing Cherry safe for dogs?
- No. Bing Cherry is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Bing Cherry deer-resistant?
- No. Bing Cherry is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Bing Cherry prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Bing Cherry can be affected by borers (peachtree and lesser borer) and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
