Sour cherry breeding began in the 1940’s, to produce a cherry capable of withstanding harsher climates. Sour cherries were created from crossing sweet cherry with the Mongolian cherry, which does occur in nature. The sour cherry was then crossed again with a different Mongolian cherry, passing down the dwarfing habit common to them. The three distinct characteristics of a sour cherry are its cold hardiness, short stature, and good fruit quality. The University of Saskatchewan