The "Morning Star" cherry is an early-ripening variety developed at the Crimean Experimental and Selection Station of the All-Russian Institute of Plant Industry. The tree is medium-sized with a sprawling, dense, and spherical crown, which ensures good fruiting, beginning in the fourth year after planting. Shoots are straight, brownish-purple, and large elliptical dark green leaves give the plant a decorative appearance.
Fruits of the variety have medium size and a heart-shaped form, colored dark red. The flesh is dark red, juicy, and firm, with a pleasant sweet-sour taste, confirmed by a tasting score of 4.5 points. The weight of one fruit is about 4.5 grams. Thanks to its taste qualities, the berries are suitable for both fresh consumption and for making compotes and freezing.
The variety is characterized by high yield — about 60 centners per hectare, and good winter hardiness, withstanding temperatures down to -25°С. However, frost hardiness is insufficient for growing in central Russia, so it is recommended for regions with a softer climate, such as Crimea and the North Caucasus region. A pollinator is needed for successful fruiting, which should be taken into account when planning plantings.
