Prunus avium
Etymology
The French name merisier comes from Latin Amarus cerasus, meaning "bitter cherry". The scientific name Prunus avium means "bird’s cherry", referring to the fruit’s appeal to birds.
Habitat and Distribution
A member of the Rosaceae family (over 3,300 species), the wild cherry was already present in Europe during the Neolithic period. Its cultivation dates back to the 4th century BC in the Caucasus and Anatolia. It is now widespread in central Europe and western Asia, thriving in forests and hedgerows below 2,000 m. It prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils and can live up to 100 years.
Ecological Value
A distinctive feature is the presence of two small reddish glands (nectar glands) on the leaf stem, which attract insects. The drooping leaves give the tree a recognizable silhouette. It grows fast, blooms in early spring with abundant white, nectar-rich flowers, and bears small red cherries (merises) beloved by birds. Its deep, spreading roots help stabilize soil, and it is commonly used as a rootstock, especially in calcareous soils. The soft wood is appreciated by cabinetmakers.
Culinary and Medicinal Value
The flowers appear early and can be infused into vinegar or drinks. Fruits ripen earlier than those of cultivated cherries (June–July), and are used in pies, compotes, soups, syrups, jams, juices, and liqueurs.
Flowers, fruit, bark, and stems have beneficial properties. The stems can be brewed into diuretic teas; bark from young twigs is dried and used in infusions. These parts offer diuretic, anti-inflammatory, cooling, and laxative properties, helpful for digestive issues (constipation), rheumatic conditions, urinary problems (kidney stones), and sometimes weight loss. Wild cherries have a low glycemic index and are rich in vitamin C, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium.
Sources :
https://cueilleurs-sauvages.ch/blog/merisier-le-cerisier-sauvage-prunus-avium/
https://www.medisite.fr/dictionnaire-des-plantes-medicinales-merisier.1616204.8.html