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Pin cherry (fire cherry) identification: leaves, bark, fruit and twigs
Pin cherry, Prunus pensylvanica, is a native tree in Pennsylvania. How to recognize it by its leaves, bark, fruit and twigs, and how to tell it from look-alikes.
Alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges. Narrow, finely toothed leaves 3 to 5 inches long and 1 to 1 1/2 inches wide. Bark: Shiny red-brown with long sideways lines that can peel in strips. Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
How to identify pin cherry
| Leaf type | Alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Narrow, finely toothed leaves 3 to 5 inches long and 1 to 1 1/2 inches wide. |
| Bark | Shiny red-brown with long sideways lines that can peel in strips. |
| Fruit | Bright red, very sour cherries about 1/4 inch, ripe in midsummer. |
| Twigs | Slender reddish brown twigs with tiny buds clustered at the tips. |
| Size and shape | Small tree up to about 30 feet. |
From the Virginia Tech Dendrology fact sheet, in our own words.
Is pin cherry native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists pin cherry as native to Pennsylvania.
See all 140 trees, with a 4-question identifier, in our Pennsylvania tree identification guide.
Trees that look like pin cherry
| Tree | Its leaves |
|---|---|
| Black cherry Prunus serotina | Alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges. Glossy, finely toothed leaves 2 to 5 inches long, usually with a line of yellowish-brown fuzz along the underside of the midrib. |
| Chokecherry Prunus virginiana | Alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges. Finely toothed oval leaves 2 to 4 inches long with tiny glands on the leaf stem. |
| Sweet cherry Prunus avium | Alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges. Leaves 2 to 5 inches long with slightly rounded teeth, usually more than 8 pairs of veins, and obvious dark glands on the leaf stem. |
Compare the leaves first, then the bark, fruit and twigs on each tree’s page.
Other cherries and plums in Pennsylvania
American plum (Prunus americana).
Questions
How do you identify pin cherry?
Look for alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges. Narrow, finely toothed leaves 3 to 5 inches long and 1 to 1 1/2 inches wide. Bark: Shiny red-brown with long sideways lines that can peel in strips.
Is pin cherry native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists pin cherry as native to Pennsylvania.
How big does pin cherry get?
Small tree up to about 30 feet.
How can you tell pin cherry in winter?
Check the twigs and bark. Twigs: Slender reddish brown twigs with tiny buds clustered at the tips. Bark: Shiny red-brown with long sideways lines that can peel in strips.
What tree looks like pin cherry?
Black cherry, Chokecherry, Sweet cherry. Compare the leaves first.
Sources: Virginia Tech Dendrology (Prunus pensylvanica fact sheet); Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, PA Vascular Plant List (native or introduced status). Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
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