Prunus serotina
Black Cherry
General
Black Cherry is a desirable tree because of its attractive wood and fruits that are edible to many birds and mammals, including humans. It is a shade-intolerant tree that grows well in areas with medium soil moisture levels. This species is toxic to livestock.
Plant Description
The leaves of this tree are simple, smooth, and finely toothed. The young bark is reddish-brown and has light-colored lenticels. Mature bark is fissured and scaly. Small white flowers are in groups at the end of stems. Fruits are stalked and black when mature.
Height (ft)
30-100
Spread (ft)
30-60
Soil moisture
Medium
Soil types
Coarse to Medium
Wetland indicator
FACU
Shade tolerance
Full Sun
Bloom color
White
Bloom period
Late Spring
Fall conspicuous
Yes
Anaerobic tolerance
None
Drought tolerance
Medium
Salinity tolerance
Medium
Self-Pollinating?
Yes
Range
Eastern United States, with disjunct populations scattered throughout the western states.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]
Additional Information
According to BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database, an infusion of the bark treated colds. The wood has been used as lumber and to make furniture. The fruit has been used as a food source and in a cough syrup to treat respiratory problems. A compound decoction of the inner bark applied to cuts and wounds.