Description
Eastern Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) is a large tree native to most of of the United States from Maine south to Florida west to Arizona. It has a narrow, oblong head of small, horizontal branches. The bark is bitter, aromatic, yielding hydrocyanic acid, used in medicine. It is best to keep the cherry out of any area where grazing animals are present as the cyanide is dangerous to the critters.
The bark is dark red-brown, with fissures, rough and peels easily, smooth and of a brown- red color when young, when old very rough, plated. The wood is hard, moderately heavy, close grained, very small pores, reddish brown, used in cabinet work, furniture and trim. Black Cherry is one of the woods used in the flooring called “Woods of the North” from Meeder Lumber in Mancelona, Mi. We have used black cherry trim in 3 rooms in our house. Weighs 36 pounds per cubic foot.
Black cherry can tolerate wet to dry, acid to alkaline soils. It does best in full sun or partial shade. The tree has relatively shallow root system so is susceptible to damage from vehicles. Lawnmower damage is common as my big black cherry can testify. My oldest daughter bumped it a few times in the early 90’s and now has major sections of bark missing and as a result the upper branches on the side with the damage are dying. The black cherry is a beautiful tree and should be more extensively planted as it is only found occasionally in a wild setting.
The black cherry has few pests though none serious. The eastern tent caterpillar prefers the cherry tree and makes it’s nest in it if possible. Spraying is usually not necessary and the pest is usually gone in a few weeks. The rose chafer is a leaf chewer that is more annoying than destructive.
The National Champion black cherry is 138′ tall and found near Ann Arbor, Michigan.
If you are looking for more native hardwood trees, the sugar maple is one of my favorites! Sugar Maple – Porcupine Hollow Farm
Scientific Name: Prunus serotina
Zone: 3-9 Click here to find your growing zone.
Mature Height: 25-80 ft, occasionally 100+ft tall
Mature Width: 35-50 ft
Growth Rate: Rapid
Soil: Wet to dry, acidic to alkaline
Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Part Shade
Fall Color: Golden, yellow, orange
**Trees 3-4′ and larger may require extra shipping. Call for a more accurate quote.
