Black Cherry
Prunus serotina · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Rosaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Forest Tree, Fruit/Timber Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Wild type (No specific named cultivar identified from bark image)
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 moderately dense canopy. Known for its valuable hardwood timber and bitter edible fruit.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate leaves, oblong-lanceolate to oval in shape, 2 to 6 inches long, with finely serrated margins and distinctive fine reddish hairs along the midrib on the underside.
Bark Characteristics
Dark gray to almost black bark, smooth with prominent horizontal lenticels when young, breaking up into small, hard, scaly plates with upturned edges as it matures, resembling burnt cornflakes.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to eastern and central North America, well-adapted to temperate forest zones.
Growing Season
Leafs out in mid-spring, produces white flowers in racemes in late spring, drops small dark cherries in late summer, and enters winter dormancy after dropping yellow to red leaves in autumn.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun to partial shade. Requires moderate moisture and well-drained soils, though it has moderate drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Reaches heights of 50 to 80 feet, with a canopy spread of 30 to 60 feet. Fast to moderate growth rate with a lifespan of up to 100 to 150 years.
Special Characteristics
Valuable reddish-brown cabinet-grade timber, high pollution tolerance, and attractive spring blossoms and fall color. Wilting leaves are toxic to livestock due to cyanogenic glycosides.
Wildlife & Ecology
Highly valuable to wildlife, providing food for numerous bird species and mammals via its cherries. Supports many species of pollinators and serves as a larval host for various butterflies and moths.