Black Cherry
Prunus serotina · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Rosaceae
Tree Category
Fruit, Ornamental, Shade Tree, Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Wild type (Prunus serotina var. serotina)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9.
About This Tree
A medium-sized deciduous tree with an open, irregular to oval-rounded canopy and horizontal main branching. Features vibrant green, glossy, finely serrated leaves and small dark drupes (cherries) hanging in hanging clusters (racemes). The wood is prized for high-end furniture.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate, narrow-elliptic to oblong-lanceolate leaves, 2 to 5 inches long. Rich glossy dark green above and paler beneath with fine, incurved serrations along the margin. Foliage turns yellow to red-orange in late autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Dark gray to reddish-brown with prominent horizontal lenticels when young, becoming rough, broken, dark brownish-black, and fissured into small scaly plates ('burnt cornflakes' pattern) at maturity.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to eastern North America, Mexico, and Central America; widely naturalized in parts of Europe.
Growing Season
Leafs out in early spring, flowers from April to May, produces ripe dark purple fruit from mid to late summer (July-September), and drops leaves in late autumn.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun to partial shade. Prefers well-drained, moist, fertile soils, but demonstrates moderate drought tolerance once fully established.
Mature Size
Reaches 50 to 80 feet tall (smaller in landscape settings, typically 25 to 40 feet) with a canopy spread of 20 to 35 feet. Moderate to fast growth rate; lifespan ranges from 100 to 150 years.
Special Characteristics
Valuable timber tree for cabinetmaking and furniture; produces edible dark fruits used for jams and jellies; distinctive foliage yellow-orange fall color; aromatic bark when crushed.
Wildlife & Ecology
High ecological value; flowers support pollinators like honeybees and native bees. Ripening black cherries provide critical food for over 30 species of songbirds, mammals, and black bears. Host plant for the eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly larvae.