Black Tartarian (Prunus avium)

The Black Tartarian cherry tree is also known as the “Black Tartarian” or the Prunus avium. The tree is considered to be a self-incompatible cherry. This is because, in order for it to do well, it requires to be established together with another cherry tree, at least one, for it to be able to receive enough pollen which is necessary for its growth.

The best cherry tree to be planted together with the Black Tartarian tree should be a pollinating cherry tree which has complementary winter chilling units or the winter chill requirements with temperatures approximately thirty two to forty five Fahrenheit.

The Black Tartarian cherry tree usually produces fruit buds during summer periods. However, these buds remain dormant in the winter. It is important to note that if the buds of this tree break their dormancy and blossoms during a warm winter period, they might be destroyed if a subsequent freeze occurs during that period.

In order to protect itself, the Black Tartarian cherry tree has evolved to remain dormant until it has received its minimum number of hours of chill requirement units, upon which it then breaks its buds. The complementary winter chilling units for the tree varies depending on the geographical location of the tree, whether it is established on a mountain, valley or an exposed area.

The Black Tartarian cherry is considered a hardy tree of USDA zones five to eight. However it is important to note that the USDA zone usually shows the annual average extreme minimum temperature and not the number of winter chilling units that are necessary for the growth of either a pollinating cultivar or the Black Tartarian tree.

A well-established cherry tree bears dark-purple or dark-red fruits which are usually prized for their sweet taste. During spring, the tree produces blooms with clusters of white flowers which fill the whole tree with an attractive color in addition to the gentle fragrance. This can be used to enhance yards as it adds value in addition to its eye-catching appeal.