Invasive Plant Factsheet
While some non-native ornamental cherry trees, such as Yoshino and Kwanzan, bear little or no fruit, other exotic fruit-bearing members of the Prunus genus, which have been introduced and cultivated since colonial times, naturalize from gardens into the wild. Sweet Cherry and Higan Cherry are now listed as invasive in Northern Virginia and 13 counties in Maryland, with other alien cherry species considered a threat.
Native Alternatives
Replacement for fruit:
- Prunus americana (American Wild Plum)
- Prunus serotina (Black Cherry)
Replacement for blossoms:
- Amelanchier arborea (Downy Serviceberry)
- Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood)
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Sweet Cherry & Higan Cherry (Prunus avium & P. subhirtella)
