Black Cherry
Prunus serotina · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Rosaceae
Tree Category
Forest Tree, Native, Fruit, Timber
Variety / Cultivar
Wild / Standard species
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9. Highly adaptable to cold winters and hot summers across eastern North America.
About This Tree
A medium-to-large forest tree characterized by a straight, clean trunk and narrow, oblong crown in dense woods, or a broader, rounded canopy in open spaces. Known for its distinctively dark, scaly bark reminiscent of cornflakes or burnt potato chips on mature trunks, and valuable reddish-brown timber.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate, oblong-lanceolate leaves, 2-5 inches long with finely serrated margins (finely calloused teeth). Dark shiny green above, paler underneath with light rust-colored pubescence along the midrib near the base. Leaves turn brilliant shades of yellow, rose, and orange-red in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
On young trees, smooth and reddish-brown with prominent horizontal lenticels. On mature trees (as seen in the photo), dark grey to black, deeply fissured into rough, flaky, upturned plates often described as looking like burnt cornflakes or crispy scales.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern North America (from Nova Scotia south to Florida and west to Minnesota and Texas)
Growing Season
Buds break in early spring; flowers bloom April to May after leaf-out; fruits ripen mid to late summer (July-September); leaves drop in late autumn after turning yellow to red.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires Full Sun to Partial Sun. Prefers moist, well-drained, fertile soils (deep loams), but exhibits moderate drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Typically reaches 50 to 80 feet in height with a canopy spread of 30 to 60 feet. Trunk diameter reaches 2 to 4 feet at maturity. Fast growth rate when young; lifespan up to 100-150 years.
Special Characteristics
Highly prized for high-grade cabinetry, furniture wood, and musical instruments. Wilted leaves contain hydrocyanic acid (cyanide) and are toxic to livestock. Displays rich golden-yellow to red autumn foliage.
Wildlife & Ecology
Extremely high ecological value. The dark purple fruits feed over 30 species of birds (such as robins, bluebirds, and cedar waxwings) and many mammals (bears, raccoons, squirrels). Important host plant for larval Lepidoptera, including the Tiger Swallowtail butterfly and Promethea silkmoth.