Prunus serotina (Black Cherry)

Prunus serotina (Black Cherry) is a large deciduous tree of pyramidal to conical habit in youth, becoming oval-headed with spreading, arching branches with age. Its pendulous branches are clothed in oblong, finely serrated, glossy green leaves, 5 in. long (12 cm), with pointed tips. The foliage turns bright golden-yellow and red in the fall. In early spring to early summer, a profusion of fragrant white flowers held in dangling clusters, up to 6 in. long (15 cm), appear right after the leaves emerge. The blossoms give way to pendulous clusters of small, rounded, red berries that ripen to dark purple-black in late summer. Attractive to birds and other wildlife, the berries are bitter but can be harvested for processing into jams and jellies. The bark on mature trees is dark and scaly.

Black Cherry is an important host plant for several butterfly species, including the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) and Red-spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis astyanax).

It is also a magnet for numerous bird species, including the American Robin, Baltimore Oriole, Blue Jay, Cedar Waxwing, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, Northern Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird, and Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. Its abundant berries and dense foliage provide essential food and shelter, making it a cherished resource for avian visitors.

Black Cherry is the largest and most important US native cherry. Prized for the beauty and quality of its wood, Black Cherry is used for furniture, paneling, professional and scientific instruments, handles, and toys. A cough medicine, wild cherry syrup, is obtained from its bark. Easy to grow, Black Cherry will reward you with spring lace-like blossoms, attractive summer foliage, lovely fall colors, and ornamental berries. A beautifully shaped shade tree.

• Grows up to 50-80 ft. tall (12-24 m) and 30-60 ft. wide (9-18 m). Will produce abundant stray seedlings.
• Performs best in full sun or part shade in moist, well-drained soils. Best flower and fruit production is obtained in full sun. Although somewhat tolerant of dry conditions, Black Cherry will respond best to rich, moist soil and a heavy mulch to keep the root zone cool.
• Keep an eye out for leaf spot, die back, leaf curl, powdery mildew, root rot, fireblight, aphids, scale, borers, leafhoppers, caterpillars, tent caterpillars, Japanese beetles, and spider mites.
• The bark, leaves, and seeds of this species are especially toxic.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Native to eastern North America, Mexico, and Central America.