Vermont · Tree

Pin cherry for birds in Vermont

Fast-growing northern cherry with midsummer fruit. Native to Vermont, where it feeds or shelters 26 backyard bird species.

Scientific name: Prunus pensylvanica
Native status: Native in Vermont
Hardiness zones: USDA 3b–5b
What birds get from it: fruit and berries
Vermont birds supported: 26
Nesting birds among them: 24

Growing conditions in Vermont

Humid continental, with the Green Mountains and the Champlain Valley.

Short, mild summers.

Vermont birds that use Pin cherry

Long, snowy winters.

Nesting season it supports in Vermont

Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Pin cherry:

Northern Cardinal — May–August
Eastern Bluebird — May–August
House Finch — May–August
Purple Finch — June–July
American Robin — May–July
White-throated Sparrow — June–July
Northern Flicker — May–June
Pileated Woodpecker — May–June
Baltimore Oriole — June–July
Rose-breasted Grosbeak — June–July

Native plants to pair with Pin cherry in Vermont

Eastern red cedar

Juniperus virginiana · Tree

Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.

Serviceberry

Amelanchier arborea · Tree

Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.

Winterberry

Ilex verticillata · Shrub

Deciduous holly holding red fruit into mid-winter.

Staghorn sumac

Rhus typhina · Shrub

Fruit clusters persist all winter as emergency food.

Smooth sumac

Rhus glabra · Shrub

Red fruit heads hang on through winter.

Black cherry

Prunus serotina · Tree

Summer fruit and one of the top caterpillar host trees.

Frequently asked

Is Pin cherry native to Vermont?

Yes. Pin cherry (Prunus pensylvanica) is recorded as native in Vermont. Vermont spans USDA 3b–5b.

What birds does Pin cherry attract in Vermont?

In Vermont, Pin cherry supports 26 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, Purple Finch, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow.

Does Pin cherry help nesting birds in Vermont?

24 of those birds nest in Vermont: Northern Cardinal (May–August), Eastern Bluebird (May–August), House Finch (May–August), Purple Finch (June–July).

Which winter birds use Pin cherry in Vermont?

Winter visitors Pine Grosbeak, Bohemian Waxwing use it in Vermont during the cold months.

Sources

Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.