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Okame Cherry Tree Fruit

Okame Cherry Tree Fruit

Okame cherry trees (Prunus x incamp 'Okame') are celebrated for their stunning springtime blossoms, which are among the first to bloom each year. These ornamental cherry trees are a hybrid species, prized for their vibrant pink flowers, graceful form, and adaptability to various climates. While their beauty is well-known, what’s less commonly discussed is the fruit of the Okame cherry tree. In this article, we’ll explore the characteristics of Okame cherry fruit, its uses, and the role it plays in the tree’s life cycle.
The Okame Cherry Tree: A Brief Overview The Okame cherry tree is a hybrid cross between the Taiwan cherry (Prunus campanulata) and the Fuji cherry (Prunus incisa). This crossbreeding was designed to create a tree that could thrive in a wide range of climates and exhibit early, vibrant blooms. The resulting tree is hardy in USDA Zones 6 to 9, making it suitable for many parts of the United States, particularly in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.
Okame cherry trees typically reach heights of 15 to 25 feet, with a spread of 15 to 20 feet, making them an excellent choice for smaller landscapes or as accent trees. Their flowers are a striking deep pink, with five petals each, and they bloom in clusters, creating a breathtaking display against the still-bare branches in early spring. The tree’s leaves emerge shortly after the flowers, starting as bronze and maturing to a rich green in the summer, before turning shades of orange and red in the fall.
The Fruit of the Okame Cherry Tree While Okame cherry trees are primarily grown for their ornamental value, they do produce fruit following the blooming period. However, the fruit of the Okame cherry tree is not particularly well-known, and for good reason—it's not the most significant feature of the tree, either in terms of appearance or utility.
1. Appearance of the Fruit The fruit of the Okame cherry tree is a small, round drupe, similar in shape to a tiny cherry or berry. The fruits are typically about 1/4 inch in diameter, much smaller than those of other cherry species. They start as green in color and gradually ripen to a deep red or almost black hue as they mature.
Unlike the large, juicy cherries that are cultivated for human consumption, the Okame cherry’s fruit is quite modest in size and appearance. The fruit tends to blend in with the tree’s foliage, making it easy to overlook, especially once the vibrant spring blossoms have faded.
2. Edibility and Taste While the fruit of the Okame cherry tree is technically edible, it is not particularly palatable. The small size of the fruit, combined with its tart and somewhat bitter flavor, makes it unappealing to most people. The fruit contains a large pit relative to its size, leaving very little flesh to enjoy.
Because of its taste and texture, Okame cherry fruit is generally not harvested for culinary uses. It’s far less sweet and juicy than the fruits of cultivated cherry varieties like Bing or Rainier cherries. Instead, the fruit is typically left on the tree to fall naturally, or it is consumed by wildlife.
3. Role in the Ecosystem Despite its limited appeal to humans, the fruit of the Okame cherry tree plays an important role in the local ecosystem. The fruit provides a food source for birds, particularly in the late spring and early summer when it ripens. Birds like robins, cardinals, and thrushes are known to eat the small cherries, helping to disperse the seeds and promote the growth of new trees.
Additionally, the fruit attracts various insects, which in turn can support a healthy ecosystem by providing food for insectivorous birds and other animals. While the Okame cherry tree’s primary function in the landscape is ornamental, its fruit contributes to the biodiversity of the area, supporting both plant and animal life.
Comparisons with Other Cherry Tree Fruits To understand the significance of Okame cherry fruit, it’s helpful to compare it with the fruit of other cherry tree species. Cherry trees can generally be categorized into two groups: those grown for ornamental purposes and those grown for their fruit.
1. Ornamental Cherry Trees Like the Okame cherry, many other ornamental cherry trees produce fruit that is small and not particularly suitable for human consumption. Trees such as the Yoshino cherry (Prunus x yedoensis) and the Kwanzan cherry (Prunus serrulata ‘Kwanzan’) also bear small, inedible fruits that are mainly appreciated by birds and other wildlife. These trees are chosen for their beautiful blossoms rather than their fruiting capabilities.
2. Fruit-Bearing Cherry Trees In contrast, cherry trees cultivated for their fruit, such as the sweet cherry (Prunus avium) and sour cherry (Prunus cerasus), produce larger, sweeter, and more flavorful fruits that are widely consumed by people. These cherries are used in a variety of culinary applications, from fresh eating to baking, preserving, and making beverages.
While the fruit of the Okame cherry does not compare to these in terms of size or taste, it still fulfills an ecological niche by providing food for wildlife. It’s important to note that even though Okame cherry fruit is not a commercial crop, it still has value in the landscape as part of a balanced ecosystem.
Cultivating Okame Cherry Trees: Focus on Flowers, Not FruitFor gardeners and landscapers interested in cultivating Okame cherry trees, the primary focus should be on the tree’s ornamental qualities rather than its fruit. Here are some tips for successfully growing and maintaining Okame cherry trees:
1. Planting LocationOkame cherry trees thrive in full sun to partial shade. They prefer well-drained soil but are adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. When planting, choose a location with enough space to accommodate the tree’s mature size, ensuring it will not be crowded by buildings or other trees.
2. Watering and FertilizationDuring the first year after planting, it’s important to water the tree regularly to help establish a strong root system. Once established, Okame cherry trees are relatively drought-tolerant but will benefit from occasional deep watering during dry spells. Fertilize the tree in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to support healthy growth and abundant flowering.
3. Pruning and MaintenanceOkame cherry trees require minimal pruning. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches to maintain the tree’s shape and health. Regularly check for pests such as aphids or borers, which can affect the tree’s health and flowering.
4. Flowering and Fruit ProductionThe most anticipated event for Okame cherry tree owners is the spring bloom. The vibrant pink flowers last for about two to three weeks, depending on the weather. After flowering, the small fruits will develop, but as mentioned, they are not typically harvested. Instead, enjoy the blossoms and allow the fruit to naturally support local wildlife.
While the Okame cherry tree is celebrated for its stunning springtime blossoms, its fruit is a more understated aspect of its life cycle. The small, tart cherries produced by the tree are not suitable for human consumption but play an important role in supporting local wildlife, particularly birds. For gardeners and landscapers, the Okame cherry tree is a valuable addition to any landscape, not for its fruit but for its early, showy blooms and adaptability to various growing conditions. By understanding the role of Okame cherry fruit and focusing on the tree’s ornamental qualities, you can appreciate the full beauty and ecological benefits of this charming tree.