Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Prunus avium ‘Black Tartarian’

A cultivar of Prunus avium L. ‘Large, obtuse heart-shaped; surface irregular and uneven. Skin deep black. Stalk an inch and a half long. Flesh purplish, juicy, half tender, and rich. Stone small, roundish oval. Succeeds well against a wall, when it is ready by the end of June.’ [Hogg – Fruit Manual p.51/1860].

 

 

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘This Cherry is generally considered to have been brought into this country by the late Mr. John Fraser, from Russia. In the account given of it in the Pomona Londinensis, it is stated to have been introduced from Circassia, by Mr. Hugh Ronalds, of Brentford, in 1794. We have also heard it said that it originated in Spain, whence it was transmitted to the Russian Gardens, and through them into England.’ [PM t.44/1828].

A very erect tree, becoming wide spreading. A good quality mid-season or late cherry which tends to crack. [Grubb].

Bowman commented that the cherry grown in Australia under this name in 1937 may not be true to type.

 

 

History at Camden Park

Listed in an Addendum to the 1857 catalogue only [Cherry no.21/1857].

 

 

Notes

Published Apr 22, 2010 - 08:58 PM | Last updated Jul 23, 2011 - 04:19 PM

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Figured is a fruiting branch with ovate leaves and heart-shaped black cherries. Pomonia Londinensis pl.31, 1818.

Prunus avium ‘Black Tartarian’ | PL pl.31/1818 | Google Books

 

Family Rosaceae
Category
Region of origin

Garden origin, unknown
Synonyms
  • Black Circassian
  • Ronald’s Black Heart
  • Black Russian
  • Fraser’s Black Tartarian
  • Fraser’s Black Heart
  • Superb Circassian

 
Common Name

Dessert Cherry
Name in the Camden Park Record

Black Tartarian 

 

 
Confidence level high