Prunus cerasus

Sour cherry

Prunus cerasus, commonly known as the sour cherry, is a versatile fruit-bearing shrub valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and anthocyanins, it serves as a potent natural remedy for reducing inflammation, supporting cardiovascular health, and promoting restful sleep through its unique melatonin content.

  • Scientific name: Prunus cerasus
  • Family: Rosaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Rosales and the family Rosaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Prunus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Rosales WCVP
Family Rosaceae WCVP
Genus Prunus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, scientifically known as Prunus cerasus, is widely recognized by various names across different regions and linguistic contexts. In Simplified Chinese, it is referred to as 欧洲酸樱桃 (zh-hans) and 欧洲酸樱桃 (zh-cn), while in Singapore, the same name 欧洲酸樱桃 (zh-sg) is used. In Traditional Chinese contexts, it is known as 歐洲酸櫻桃 (zh-hant) and 歐洲酸櫻桃 (zh-hk).
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 欧洲酸樱桃 Wikidata
zh-hant 歐洲酸櫻桃 Wikidata
zh-hk 歐洲酸櫻桃 Wikidata
zh-cn 欧洲酸樱桃 Wikidata
zh-sg 欧洲酸樱桃 Wikidata
zh-tw 歐洲酸櫻桃 Wikidata
pl wiśnia pospolita Wikidata
qu Sirisa Wikidata
bs Višnja Wikidata
hu meggy Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a varied presence across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its distribution includes the territories of Great Britain and Ireland. The species can also be found growing within the borders of Sweden. Moving toward Middle Europe, the plant is established in Austria. Finally, its geographical range extends to include Belgium.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Hungary WCVP
Middle Europe Poland WCVP
Middle Europe Switzerland WCVP

Chemicals

Prunus cerasus has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include anthocyanins, L-ascorbic acid, cyanidin, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside.

Total chemicals
7
Scientific sources
8

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
anthocyanins 2 ★☆☆☆☆
L-ascorbic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cyanidin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cyanidin-3-O-glucoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
phenols 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Prunus cerasus has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Cellulite, inflammatory bowel diseases.

Total uses
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Cellulite 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammatory bowel diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆