Mahaleb Cherry
Prunus mahaleb
Family: Rosaceae
Other Common Names: St. Lucie cherry
Weed class: monitor list
Year Listed: 2022
Native to: Europe.
Is this Weed Toxic?:
not known to be
Why Is It a Noxious Weed?
This plant is on the monitor list - it is not a listed noxious weed in Washington. Please contact the Washington State Weed Board to report locations or for more information.
How would I identify it?
General Description
This tree can grow up to 35 feet tall
Flower Description
The fragrant flowers have 5 white petals and a yellow or light green center. They grow in clusters at the ends of twigs and branches
Leaf description
Oval to pointed egg shaped leaves have serrated edges, are 0.5 to 2 inches long, and 0.25 to 1 inch wide. They grow in clusters at the end of twigs and branches.
Stem description
Young stems are green-yellow to brown and have very obvious pore-like spots. Older bark is a gray brown with deep fissures.
Fruit Seed Description
Inedible, lightly fleshy cherries, which start green and ripen through red to black. The pits take up most of the space of the fruits.
Where does it grow?
Originally planted in gardens and on homesteads, it can escape those areas, especially when spread by birds.
How Does it Reproduce?
Seed
How Do I Control It?
Small plants can be dug or pulled out. Older plants can be cut down, but will resprout unless treated with herbicide.
Additional Photos
