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Morello Cherry

Prunus cerasus

Last reviewed: October 2026

Morello Cherry (Prunus cerasus)
Photo: no rights reserved, uploaded by Dag Endresen

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) 426-4435 and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Light

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.

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Morello 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.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Morello 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.

  • 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 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.

See all plant problem guides

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