Pin cherry
Prunus pensylvanica
A small, short-lived tree of sunny clearings and regenerating woodland. Its small red cherries are sour and are used for jelly or syrup.
Native range
Northern and eastern North America, including southern Ontario. Recorded in the Toronto region's wild flora.
Typical season
Approximate summer fruit reference. Early crops are brief, and birds may take most of the fruit.
Identification
Look for shiny reddish bark, narrow toothed leaves and small red cherries on slender stalks, with flowers in small clusters rather than long racemes. Each fruit has one stone. Remove stones intact; seeds, leaves and twigs contain cyanogenic compounds. Do not blend unpitted fruit.