Bitter Cherry
Prunus emarginata
Rosaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · native
Last updated
Prunus emarginata (Rosaceae) is a deciduous tree or large shrub native to western North America from British Columbia to California. It grows 20 to 40 feet tall, often forming thickets via root suckers. Small white flowers appear in flat-topped clusters in spring, followed by small, bitter, bright red cherries.
Bitter cherry grows in sun to part shade on moist to dry, well-drained soils. The fruit is extremely bitter and inedible raw but was used by indigenous peoples after processing. It is valued in restoration plantings for its wildlife food value (birds and bears consume the fruit) and ability to colonize disturbed sites. Hardy in Zones 6a to 8b.
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
As of April 3, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1070 to 1180.6 GDD₃₂. Bitter Cherry typically reaches 'bud break' at 1144 GDD₃₂, predicted around Apr 5.
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 3, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,181 | 'Bud break' | 'Flower buds visible' | 71 |
| Seattle / UW | 1,171 | 'Bud break' | 'Flower buds visible' | 81 |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,111 | Pre-season | 'Bud break' | 33 |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,106 | Pre-season | 'Bud break' | 38 |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,101 | Pre-season | 'Bud break' | 43 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,075 | Pre-season | 'Bud break' | 69 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,070 | Pre-season | 'Bud break' | 74 |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ○ 'Bud break' BBCH '07' NEXT | 1144 | '' est. Apr 5 (forecast) |
| 'Flower buds visible' BBCH '51' | 1252 | '' est. Apr 10 (forecast) |
| 'Leaf emergence' BBCH '11' | 1276 | '' est. Apr 11 (forecast) |
| 'First bloom' BBCH '61' | 1428 | '' est. Apr 19 (forecast) |
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? GDD₃₂ thresholds from USA National Phenology Network citizen science observations (WA+OR). Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 3, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Apr 19, 2026, then climate normals.