Collection: Cherry, Western

Western Cherry, Prunius emarginata, is also commonly known as Bitter Cherry. This small, understory tree can grow to heights up to 95 feet, but generally only reaches 60 feet. Its diameter ranges from 6 inches up to 12 inches, yielding relatively small wood due to its spindly trunk. The bitter cherries produced by this tree are not edible to humans; however Native Americans wove the bark into baskets. The wood from Western Cherry is commonly used for fancy boxes, cabinets, furniture, and woodturning articles. Colors in this hardwood range from variations of tan to darker brown with green streaks. This species works easily, cuts smoothly, glues well, and takes a glass-like natural polish. This unique Cherry is hard to find on the commercial woodworking market.