Prunus avium 'CVI' (Sweet Cherry, Wild Cherry, Gean, Certified Virus Indexed Mazzard Cherry)

Prunus avium 'CVI' (Sweet Cherry, Wild Cherry, Gean, Certified Virus Indexed Mazzard Cherry) is a cultivar of the Prunus avium species. It is a deciduous fruit tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. 'CVI' is a specific variety that has been selected and propagated for its desirable characteristics.

Sweet Cherry trees are known for their attractive appearance and delicious fruit. They typically grow to be medium to large-sized trees, reaching heights of around 30 to 40 feet (9 to 12 meters) with a rounded crown. The leaves are dark green and glossy, creating a lush canopy during the growing season. In the fall, the foliage turns shades of yellow, orange, or red, adding to the tree's visual appeal.

The fruit produced by Prunus avium 'CVI' is the sweet cherry, which is a popular choice for fresh consumption, cooking, and baking. The cherries are usually large and round, with a shiny, smooth skin that can range in color from yellow and pink to dark red or almost black, depending on the specific variety within the 'CVI' cultivar.

One of the notable characteristics of 'CVI' is that it is a Certified Virus Indexed Mazzard Cherry. This means that it has undergone rigorous testing and certification to ensure that it is free from various viruses that can affect cherry trees. Virus indexing is an important process to maintain the health and productivity of fruit trees, and 'CVI' has been specifically bred and selected for its virus resistance.

As a fruit tree, Prunus avium 'CVI' requires full sun and well-drained soil for optimal growth and fruit production. It is considered a self-fertile cultivar, meaning it can set fruit with its own pollen. However, cross-pollination with other sweet cherry varieties can enhance fruit set and improve yields. Therefore, it is often recommended to have multiple cherry trees planted in proximity to maximize fruit production.

Overall, Prunus avium 'CVI' is a valuable cultivar of sweet cherry that offers attractive trees, delicious fruit, and virus resistance. It is a popular choice for home orchards, commercial fruit production, and landscaping due to its aesthetic appeal and reliable fruiting capabilities.