Black Cherry
Prunus serotina · Deciduous broadleaf hardwood
Plant Family
Rosaceae
Tree Category
Forest Tree, Shade Tree, Timber Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Species native wild type, no specific cultivar
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9
About This Tree
Medium to large deciduous tree with an irregular or rounded crown, straight trunk, and dense foliage. Known for high-quality reddish-brown hardwood and dark, scaly bark.
Leaf Characteristics
Alternate, simple leaves, lanceolate to oblong-ovate, 2 to 6 inches long, finely serrated margins, shiny dark green above and paler beneath with distinctive reddish-brown hairs along the midrib on the underside.
Bark Characteristics
Dark gray to almost black, smooth on young trees with prominent horizontal lenticels, developing into rough, scaly, irregular plates resembling burnt cornflakes on mature trunks.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to North America, widely distributed across eastern and central United States and parts of Canada.
Growing Season
Leafs out in mid-spring, produces white flower racemes in late spring, drops dark fruits in late summer, and enters dormancy in late autumn.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade, moderate watering needs, prefers moist, well-draining soils but shows moderate drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Mature height of 50 to 80 feet, spread of 35 to 60 feet, moderate to fast growth rate, typical lifespan of 100 to 150 years.
Special Characteristics
Valuable cabinet-grade timber with rich reddish-brown wood, high resistance to decay, excellent fall color ranging from yellow to red.
Wildlife & Ecology
Highly beneficial to wildlife; flowers provide nectar for pollinators, fruits are heavily consumed by birds and small mammals, and the foliage hosts numerous caterpillar species.