Black Cherry
Prunus serotina · Deciduous broadleaf hardwood
Plant Family
Rosaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Forest Tree, Flowering, Fruit-bearing
Variety / Cultivar
Wild species (no specific cultivar)
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9
About This Tree
A medium to large deciduous tree with a straight trunk, spreading crown, and dark, scaly bark. Known for its valuable reddish-brown hardwood and drooping clusters of white flowers followed by small edible cherries.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate leaves, oblong-lanceolate to oval in shape, 2 to 6 inches long, finely serrated margins, shiny dark green above and paler below, turning yellow or red in autumn
Bark Characteristics
Smooth and reddish-brown with horizontal lenticels when young, developing thick, dark gray to black plates with upturned edges resembling burnt cornflakes as it matures
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to North America, widely distributed across the eastern and central United States and parts of Canada
Growing Season
Leafs out in early spring, produces white flowers in racemes in late spring, fruits ripen to dark purplish-black in late summer, and enters dormancy in late autumn
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun to partial shade, moderate watering needs, adaptable to average moisture soils but appreciates good drainage, moderately drought tolerant once established
Mature Size
Reaches a height of 50 to 80 feet with a spread of 35 to 60 feet, moderate to fast growth rate, typical lifespan of 60 to 100 years
Special Characteristics
Valuable fine-grained hardwood used for furniture and cabinetry, drooping white flower clusters in spring, attractive glossy foliage, and dark fruit that can be used for jellies and jams
Wildlife & Ecology
Highly valuable for wildlife, providing food for numerous bird species and small mammals via its cherries, nectar for pollinators from spring flowers, and serving as a larval host for various butterflies and moths