North Star Cherry

Prunus cerasus ‘North Star’

Description & Overview

North Star Cherry is a dwarf tart cherry introduced by the University of MN in 1950. This selection grows 8′-10′ tall on average. It is a ‘Morello type’ so has very dark red flesh and a nice strong cherry flavor. Excellent for the home grower as very cold hardy, and the shorter size makes it so much easier to pick, prune or cover with netting for bird protection.

Core Characteristics

Suggested Uses:

Excellent for pies, cobblers, cherry sauce and cherry jam.

Wildlife Value:

Relished by birds and raccoons.

Maintenance Tips:

North Star is a genetic dwarf so the shorter height makes it much easier to prune and pick the fruit for the home grower. Normally pruned to a central leader.

Covering the tree with netting as the fruit ripens will aid in reducing fruit loss to hungry birds.

Pests/Problems:

Birds (especially robins) can sometimes be an issue when the fruit is nearly ripe. Covering the tree with netting or using scare tactics (hang shiny metal deflector strips in the tree) may be necessary to obtain a good crop.

Leaf Lore:

The North Star cherry tree grown by this author provided a huge crop of 28 quarts of cherries (measured after pitting) one season. Enough cherries for every conceivable purpose with plenty to give away to lucky friends and family members. Any surplus cherry jam made from this tree was always fought after as well. Lucky friends indeed as the cherry jam is this writer’s favorite.

Companion Plants:

North Star is self-pollinating.

NORTH STAR CHERRY BENCHCARD