Mazzard Cherry
Prunus avium
Last reviewed: October 2026
Mazzard Cherry is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
240"–600" H × 240"–480" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Native alternatives to Mazzard Cherry
Mazzard Cherry is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
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Find rebates in your areaPicture natives in your own yard
Wondering what could grow where Mazzard Cherry is now? Upload a photo of the spot and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it replanted with natives for your region.
Mazzard cherry is a large deciduous tree that produces clusters of white flowers in spring before leafing out. This European species can grow quite tall and wide, making it suitable for larger properties with ample space.
In an HOA neighborhood
Mazzard Cherry takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: front yard, mid zone.
- Very large mature size may overwhelm smaller lots
- Fruit drop can create cleanup needs
Wildlife value
The spring blooms attract bees and beetles for pollination. Birds often feed on the small dark cherries that follow the flowers.
Common questions
- How much sun does Mazzard Cherry need?
- Mazzard Cherry grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Mazzard Cherry bloom?
- Mazzard Cherry blooms in April and May.
- Is Mazzard Cherry toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Mazzard Cherry is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Mazzard Cherry toxic to cats?
- Yes. Mazzard Cherry is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- What pollinators does Mazzard Cherry attract?
- Mazzard Cherry draws bees and beetles.
- Is Mazzard Cherry HOA-friendly?
- Mazzard Cherry takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Mazzard Cherry and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.