Morello Cherry
Prunus cerasus
Last reviewed: September 2026

Morello 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) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
144"–360" H × 144"–360" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Pollinators
bees
Native alternatives to Morello Cherry
Morello 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
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaMorello cherry is a small to medium-sized fruit tree that produces white flowers in spring followed by tart, dark red cherries in summer. This deciduous tree offers attractive spring blooms and edible fruit, making it both ornamental and functional in the landscape.
In an HOA neighborhood
Morello Cherry is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, mid zone.
- Fruit drop can create mess if not harvested
- May attract wildlife seeking fruit
Wildlife value
Spring flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators during the critical early season period. The fruit attracts birds and other wildlife when ripe in summer.
Common questions
- How much sun does Morello Cherry need?
- Morello Cherry grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Morello Cherry bloom?
- Morello Cherry blooms in April and May.
- Is Morello Cherry toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Morello 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 Morello Cherry toxic to cats?
- Yes. Morello 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 Morello Cherry attract?
- Morello Cherry draws bees.
- Is Morello Cherry HOA-friendly?
- Morello Cherry is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
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 Morello Cherry and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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