Tag: Prunus avium

While all cherries belong to the genus *Prunus*, chokecherries and regular cultivated cherries are distinct species with significant differences in taste and edibility. Regular cherries are typically sweet or tart and widely sold, whereas chokecherries are wild, astringent, and require processing for safe consumption.

Wild cherry, a term that can refer to several tree species, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly the bark for respiratory ailments. However, a critical distinction must be made between the fruit, often used in food and beverages, and the highly toxic leaves, bark, and seeds, which contain cyanogenic glycosides that can release cyanide. This article clarifies whether wild cherry is healthy, detailing the benefits and the serious safety precautions needed when consuming any part of the plant.