north-star-cherry-1 - Grasshopper Gardens

North Star Cherry

Compact size: Ideal for small yards and easy harvesting without ladders.
Self-pollinating: Produces fruit without needing another cherry tree nearby.
Cold hardy: Reliable performer even in harsh winter climates.
Heavy yields: Produces abundant tart cherries great for pies, jams, and freezing.
Ornamental appeal: Spring blossoms and summer fruit add seasonal beauty.

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Our local delivery area reaches as far north as Schroon Lake, south to Voorheesville, Glenmont, and East Greenbush areas, parts of Fulton and Montgomery counties, much of Washington County, and all areas in between. If you have questions on local delivery, give us a call at

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North Star Cherry

Sunlight
Can grow in a range from full sun to partial shade. They need at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day.
Watering
Regular watering schedule for the first six months. Once established, rainwater should be sufficient.
Fertilizing
Should not need any extra fertilizer unless your entire lawn and garden have problems and needs regular fertilizing.

North Star Cherry

A compact, cold-hardy fruit tree known for its tart cherries and reliable production. North Star Cherry is ideal for home gardens, offering both ornamental beauty and edible harvests in a manageable size.

General Information:

Botanical Name: Prunus cerasus ‘North Star’
Plant Type: Deciduous fruiting tree
Mature Height: 8–12 feet
Mature Spread: 6–10 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–8
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Flowering and Flower Color: Mid-spring; clusters of fragrant white flowers followed by bright red tart cherries in early summer

Geographic Guidance:

Performs best in cool to temperate climates, including the Northeast, Midwest, and northern regions, where winter chill supports strong fruit production.

Why Choose This Plant?

Consider North Star Cherry if you want a productive, low-maintenance fruit tree for smaller spaces.

Compact size: Perfect for patios, small yards, and home orchards
Reliable fruit production: Produces abundant tart cherries ideal for baking and preserves
Self-pollinating: No second tree required for fruit set
Cold hardy: Performs well in harsh winter climates
Multi-purpose: Combines ornamental spring blooms with edible harvest

Complete Care & Growing Guide

Light Requirements

Requires full sun (6+ hours daily) for optimal flowering and fruit production.

Soil

Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Avoid heavy, poorly drained conditions.

Watering

Moderate watering needs. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment; established trees tolerate short dry periods but produce better with consistent moisture.

Pruning

Prune in late winter to shape the tree, remove dead or damaged wood, and encourage good airflow for healthy fruit production.

Uses & Landscape Benefits

Ideal for home orchards and edible landscapes
Perfect for small yards and urban gardens
Adds seasonal interest with spring flowers and summer fruit
Suitable for container growing when young
Attracts pollinators during bloom and supports wildlife

Planting & Care

1. Planting: This is a large landscape tree and as such, requires a bit of planning before planting. First, measure the area where you would like to plant your hedge or row. You will need the length of the area of planting to estimate the number of trees you need.

When planting, dig a hole for each tree that is three times as wide as the root ball but just as deep. Place the tree, fill in around the tree with the same soil you took out when initially digging the hole. Finally, tamp down as you fill to cut back on any air pockets from forming, water the tree, then mulch to conserve moisture.

2. Watering: For the first two weeks, water your new tree every other day by holding a hose around it and counting to 20. If you don’t have a hose, 2 large watering cans full of water will do (smaller trees may only need a light soaking so a single can may suffice).

Related Resources

FAQs

Does North Star Cherry need another tree to produce fruit?

No, it is self-pollinating and will produce fruit on its own.
When does it produce cherries?

Typically produces fruit in mid to late summer.
Is it suitable for small yards?

Yes, its dwarf size makes it perfect for limited space landscapes.

Shipping Details

Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, you’ll receive an email with a tracking number.

Amount of Order	Shipping Charge
Local Delivery	FREE SHIPPING
Non-Local Delivery	Varies based on UPS shipping

Mature Height	Small: Up to 15 ft
Mature Spread	5-10 ft
Growth Rate	Moderate
Botanical Name	Prunus 'North Star'
Bloom Time	Late Spring
Deer Resistant	No
Family	Rosaceae
Flower Color	White
Hardiness Zones	4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Light Needs	Full Sun
Maintenance	Low
Size	#15 Container, #7 Container

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Mature Height	Medium: Up to 30 ft	Medium: Up to 30 ft	Large: Up to 30 ft or more	Small: Up to 15 ft	Medium: Up to 30 ft	Large: Up to 30 ft or more
Mature Spread	10-20 ft	10-20 ft	20+ ft	10-20 ft	5-10 ft	20+ ft
Growth Rate	Fast	Moderate	Moderate, Slow	Moderate, Slow	Moderate	Fast
Bloom Time	Mid spring, Early Spring	Mid spring	Mid spring, Early Spring	Late Spring, Mid spring	Late Spring	Mid spring, Early Spring
Deer Resistant	Usually	No	Usually	No	Usually	Usually
Flower Color	Non Flowering	White	Non Flowering	White	Pink, White	Non Flowering
Family	Sapindaceae	Rosaceae	Aceraceae	Rosaceae	Rosaceae	Betulaceae
Hardiness Zones	10, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9	4, 5, 6, 7, 8	4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9	4, 5, 6, 7, 8	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Light Needs	Full Sun, Partial Sun	Full Sun	Full Sun	Full Sun	Full Sun	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Maintenance	Medium	Low	Medium	Low	Low	Low