Mahaleb is a name of Arabic origin that was introduced in Europe from the 16th century onwards to distinguish it from other wild cherry trees.

It is a deciduous shrub, normally 4 or 5 m high, with a branched crown and very fragrant young branches.

Flowering: in spring, fragrant. The flowers, which appear at the same time as the leaves, are white and fragrant.

Its fruits have been used as a dye and the flowers and leaves in perfumery.

It is sometimes used as a grafting stock for the cherry tree, and is cultivated as an ornamental plant and to form hedges, taking advantage of its resistance to calcareous soils.

It grows preferably on stony, limestone soils in cool, shady mountains. It is generally found at altitudes of up to 1,500 metres.

It is usually found as isolated specimens without forming large masses. It is common in gall oak groves, cool holm oak groves and even Spanish firs.

Multiplication: by cuttings and seeds.