Mystery Fruit Tree in Lower Michigan: Cherry-Raspberry Hybrid?

A yard tree in lower Michigan has peach/cherry-like leaves and fruit resembling a "bumpy cherry" (small, no pit, peach-like flavor). Without photos, identification is guesswork.

Possible Candidates

• Nanking cherry (Prunus tomentosa) – small, tart, red fruit; no pit? (has pit).
• Bush cherry / sand cherry (Prunus pumila).
• Hybrid ornamental Prunus – sterile, pitless fruit possible.
• Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) – not a cherry, but similar fruit.

How to Get a Definitive ID

1. Email clear photos of leaves, fruit (whole & cut), bark, and whole tree to jimhyland@yahoo.com.
2. Contact MSU Extension Fruit Experts—they know local cultivars and may request samples.

Do not eat unknown fruit until positively identified. Some Prunus seeds/kernels contain cyanogenic compounds.