Latin Name: Prunus pensylvanica

Other Names: Bird Cherry, Fire Cherry, Red Cherry

Characteristics

• Deciduous shrub or small tree (up to 12m tall)
• Leaves: alternate, simple, with fine tooth edges
• Flowers: white, small, round or slightly oblong, 5-petals
• Fruits: tiny round, green unripe, red ripe, with central pit

Edible Uses

• Fruit only (not with pit), raw or cooked into jams

Medicinal Uses

• Inner bark made into tea for coughs and internal ailments
• Crushed root used for treatment of stomach ailments

Cautionary Uses

• Most parts of this plant, specifically fruit pits and leaves contain a form of cyanide (hydrocyanic acid) and are considered poisonous

Homeopathic Uses

Although it is not a common homeopathic remedy, Prunus pensylvanica has been documented for use in symptoms related to specific headaches, toothaches, urinary conditions, digestive conditions, skin, and eye conditions. Its recommended use is in very low potencies.