Another Mystery Plant Save orcRemove? - Ask Extension
What is this plant and should I remove it? It is in my backyard which is southfacing but has some shade.
Knowledgebase
Another Mystery Plant Save orcRemove? #920708
Asked October 27, 2025, 4:46 PM EDT
What is this plant and should I remove it? It is in my backyard which is southfacing but has some shade.
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
It's hard to see enough detail, especially since the plant is not in bloom (flowers are key to plant ID) and some parts are out of focus, but it resembles a wild cherry. Three species of wild cherry occur in Maryland, with Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) being the most widespread. Our native Prunus species have high wildlife value; they are host plants for a few butterflies and, when mature, the berries they produce are eaten by birds. (A bird likely distributed the seed that's growing into your sapling now.) While not very large trees, we would not keep one that close to the house. If you move it to keep it, find a location that receives full sun, ideally, and has good soil drainage.
Miri
Miri
Thank you so much!
Margaret
Margaret
You're welcome!
