Willow-leaf cherry
A shrubby cherry with silvery-felted leaf undersides on rocky mountain slopes of Anatolia, the Caucasus and Iran; its pink spring flowers feed bees early in uplands.
- Nectar
- Medium
- Pollen
- Medium
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Height
- 1-2 m
- Life cycle
- Perennial
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Willow-leaf cherry is a low shrub of rocky, limestone mountain slopes in central and eastern Anatolia, the Caucasus and Iran. Its narrow leaves, reminiscent of willow leaves, are covered beneath with whitish felted hairs. Its pink flowers open as the leaves come out and, like those of other wild cherries, are open in structure and easy for bees to work.
Flowering
Depending on altitude it flowers in April and May; at high elevations this may shift to early June. In mountain areas it is one of the first woody sources of spring.
Honey and pollen
No detailed measurements of this species' nectar and pollen yield were found; the assessment is based on the general traits of the genus. It does not create a nectar flow on its own but contributes to spring build-up.
Note for the beekeeper
Because it tolerates drought and stony soil, it is a suitable native species for planting on eroded slopes and around apiaries. Its small red fruits are also food for birds.