Stark® Montmorency Sour Cherry Tree

Stark® Montmorency is the most popular cherry tree in the United States — and it’s been earning that title for centuries. Originating in the Montmorency Valley of France around the 1600s and introduced to America in the 1800s, this legendary sour cherry has become the gold standard for pies, preserves, and fresh summer eating. Self-pollinating, cold hardy, and abundantly productive, it’s one of the most rewarding fruit trees a home grower can plant.

The Cherry Behind America’s Best Pies

Montmorency’s bright, tangy flavor and firm yellow flesh are precisely what make it the undisputed king of pie cherries. The sweet-tart balance holds up beautifully under heat, delivering the deep, complex cherry flavor that makes a truly great pie, cobbler, or crisp. But Montmorency isn’t just a baker’s cherry — the firm texture and fresh, bright taste make it excellent for fresh eating and drying as well. Few fruits are as versatile at harvest time.

A Heritage Tree With Centuries of Proven Performance

This isn’t a trendy new variety. Montmorency has been grown, trusted, and celebrated by home growers for over 400 years. That kind of staying power speaks to something fundamental — consistent quality, reliable production, and a flavor that never goes out of style. The beautiful white spring blossoms make it a standout ornamental before the first cherry even sets.

Why Growers Choose Stark® Montmorency

• America’s most popular sour cherry — centuries of proven performance and flavor
• Perfect for pies, cobblers, and preserves — the classic pie cherry with unmatched flavor
• Firm, versatile flesh — excellent fresh, dried, or cooked
• Self-pollinating — produces fruit on its own, with even better yields alongside a partner variety
• Cold hardy to Zone 4 — reliable performance in challenging northern climates
• Abundant producer — heavy, consistent crops of bright red cherries each June
• Organic options available — for growers who want a certified organic tree

Pollination

Montmorency is self-pollinating but benefits from a compatible cherry variety planted within 100 feet for maximum yields.