Types of Cherry Trees in the Southern USA

Surinam Cherry

• The Surinam cherry is one of the most known of the Eugenia species. Also known as the Brazilian cherry, it grows as a bush or small tree up to 25 feet in height. It produces small cherries that have a color of red to black color. The flesh is juicy with a sweet flavor. Its trees can bloom several times a year and produce thousands of cherries. It does well in subtropical zones, including the southern parts of the United States. The Surinam Cherry tree likes plenty of sun and requires only moderate amounts of rain. Its fruit ripen in less than a month after flowering. It usually requires minimum maintenance, with the exception of periods of extreme drought. It propagates by seed.

Snow Fountain Weeping Cherry

• The Snow Fountain weeping cherry tree, or Snofozam, does well in all but the most hot areas of the Southern states. It grows to a height of 15 feet and can spread up to 6 feet. It thrives best in full sun and well-drained soil. A slow growing tree with pure white flowers, its branches extend all the way to the ground, resulting in the appearance of a fountain and also its name. The flowers bloom in early spring and then give way to small and black edible cherries. Its dark green leaves turn to colors of orange and gold is the autumn. It grows best in full son, and soil that receives a medium amount of moisture and is well drained. Pruning may be required after it flowers.

Brush Cherry

• The Brush Cherry, scientifically known as Syzygium paniculatum, grows on an evergreen tree. It blooms with small white flowers and produces a bright red and tasty cherry. Also called a Scrub Cherry or a Magenta Cherry, it thrives in temperate areas in the South. Its fruit comes in pink, red and occasionally purple colors. The fruit's flesh surrounds a seed that is is the size of a pea. A Bush Cherry tree grows up to 30 feet. Flowers appear during the spring and summer with its fruit ripening two to three months after. It can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. It can also tolerate temperatures down to 25 degrees. It grows best in soil that receives moisture throughout the year. It spreads nearly entirely by seed.