Pin cherry is a small tree in the cherry and plum genus, but the fruits are very astringent. It is found far north in the boreal region, and is a common tree in many open habitats. The bark is very smooth, dark brown and resembles birchbark, with similar prominent, horizontal markings, and slight horizontal peeling. The flowers come out early, when the leaves are only partially grown. The flowers and later the fruits, are in small bunches at each leaf node. The seeds can stay dormant for many years, their germination is triggered when the temperature fluctuates, as it does when there is no forest cover after a disturbance such as fire.