Quick answer: Pin cherry (Prunus pensylvanica) is native to 3 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Ryan Hodnett, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the register as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium |
| Soil | Rocky or sandy, well-drained |
| Bloom | Apr-Jun |
| Height | 35-50 ft |
| Wildlife value | Feeds 25+ nongame/game bird species; deer/grouse/beaver browse; larval host for Columbia silkmoth |
Wilted leaves/twigs/seeds highly toxic, may be fatal; contains amygdalin (cyanogenic glycoside); causes gasping, weakness, convulsions, respiratory failure (lower toxicity than other cherries)
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 16 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 16 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Also listed under
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