Are These Cherries Edible?

[Josh Clarke]

I have a tree growing in my yard with cherries on it. In the spring it had light pink and white blossoms. Are these cherries edible?

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Thanks!

[Rick]

I would suggest you take a sample to your county extension office. They can identify the exact cherry you have. Relying on strangers on a forum to determine if something is edible is risky at best.

[hunter63]

Hunter63 saying Hey and Welcome.....
Looks like a cherry...what does it taste like?

[canid]

Edibility being in a way relative; yes they are so long as the flavor is acceptable. The pericarp of the drupes are not toxic, at any rate.

[TXyakr]

I would suggest you take a sample to your county extension office. They can identify the exact cherry you have. Relying on strangers on a forum to determine if something is edible is risky at best.

Strongly agree. If you have a detailed photo of flower/bloom extension office may be able to identify cultivar. Hold next to a scale/ruler if it is fairly large it is almost definitely an improved variety (cultivated), not wild. But better to be certain. I worked the volunteer phone/email line at local county extension office for many years until I got bored with it. There is only so much we could do for people, but a certified nursery person at a quality garden center may also be able to help.

Bottom line if it is more than 1/2" diameter probably will not send you to E.R. unless you eat 2 gallon bucket full or you are allergic to them. But DON'T risk it ask neighbor or give some to mother-in-law. Joking...

BTW birds can handle more or different levels of toxicity than humans so if mammals like squirrels, raccoons, opossums etc. are feeding on them it is a good sign but not a certainty it is safe for you. But this is what I use when I am in the wilderness and not a quick visit or email from local extension office or garden center. I have also seen small rodents on clay banks eating clay to neutralize the acid or toxins in berries and nuts so I prefer not to do THAT!!! But will if necessary, or self pump my stomach which can just make it worse. BETTER TO AVOID NEEDLESS RISK!

[Shrimp24]

If you did end up giving them a lick or two and they had an unpleasant taste I would say judging by the looks of the bark, leaf and the very similar tree in my back yard I would say it is a bitter cherry. From my knowledge they are edible but not pallitable. As stated above by the senior members getting a official lookse would be preferable. Given your location this is a common tree around the PDX / Vancouver area.