Skeena Cherry Tree

Skeena is a late-season sweet cherry with large, firm fruit, dark red to mahogany skin, and dark red flesh. The tree is self-fertile and typically ripens well after Bing; [Dave Wilson Nursery](https://www.davewilson.com/growers/products/fruit-trees/cherry/skeena/) and the [Skeena patent description](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP11392P/en) document the named selection and its traits. ## Fruit and season The fruit is kidney-shaped, sweet, and very firm. Dave Wilson reports harvest about 10–14 days after Bing; Oregon State’s Pacific Northwest guide places it 12–14 days after Bing and notes that rain cracking can still be a problem. It is self-fertile, so a second cultivar is not required for pollination. ## Tree and placement The tree has an upright-to-spreading habit and moderate vigor. A Canadian nursery lists zones 5–8 and offers Gisela 5, Gisela 6, or Mazzard rootstocks; the rootstock chosen changes eventual size. In hot sites, Oregon State advises removing pendant wood because hanging fruit can sunburn near 100°F. ## Maintenance Water during establishment and fruit development, prune to keep productive branches accessible, and harvest promptly as fruit colors and firms. Protect developing cherries from birds where needed and remove fallen fruit after harvest.