Monticello Gardens

Common name: May Duke Cherry

Family: Rosaceae (Rose)

Hardiness: USDA Zone 4

Life form: Deciduous tree

Usage: Ornamental, Edible

Comments: Jefferson first planted this desirable cherry in 1778. In 1782 he sent May Dukes along with Carnations, Black Hearts, White Hearts, and Kentish Cherries to his Bedford County estate, Poplar Forest. In 1845, A.J. Downing said the "invaluable May Duke is one of the most popular sorts in all countries." May Duke is considered a hybrid between Prunus avium and Prunus cerasus and is distinguished by rounded fruit, thin skin, and juicy, rather sweet flesh. May Duke rivaled the Black Heart in popularity around 1800. It is one of the first cherries to ripen, in May. This cherry is good for cooking in pies, jams, and preserves.