Black Cherry

General 
Scientific Name: Prunus serotina 
Family: Rosaceae (Rose) 
Hardiness: Zone 3 
Leaves: Deciduous 
Plant Type: Tree 

Growth 
Rate: Medium 
Mature Height: 50-80’ 
Longevity: Long 
Power Line: No 

Ornamental 
Flowers: White 
Fruit: Drooping clusters of small purple-black cherries 
Fall Color: Yellow to rose

Most noted for its profuse spring bloom, the black cherry also has attractive summer foliage and fall color. One of the largest of the cherry trees, the fruits are inedible straight off the tree, but can be used to make jams and jellies. Fruits are attractive to wildlife. Native to Eastern North America.

Light: Part shade. 
Water: Medium to high water use. 
Soil: Best grown in moist, fertile loam soils.

Native Americans prepared decoctions of inner bark for cough medicines and tea-like cold remedies. Hard, reddish-brown wood takes a fine polish and is commercially valued for use in a large number of products such as furniture, veneers, cabinets, interior paneling, gun stocks, instrument/tool handles and musical instruments. Species name comes from the Latin word for “late” in reference to the late flowering and fruiting in comparison to other cherry varieties. Potentially susceptible to black rot canker.

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Black Cherry

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Black Cherry

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Black Cherry