Black Cherry

(Prunus serotina)

Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Prunus serotina, commonly known as Black Cherry, is a deciduous tree or large shrub native to a variety of habitats including mixed forests, forest edges, and clearings across the Eastern United States, Southwestern regions, and Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 50–80 feet (15–24 meters) with a spread of 30–60 feet (9–18 meters). The Black Cherry is notable for its straight trunk and oval to rounded crown. Its flowers are small, fragrant, white, and appear in elongated clusters in late spring, providing an attractive display. The flowers mature into reddish-black drupes that are an important food source for birds and other wildlife. The fall foliage ranges from yellow to vibrant red. Young bark is smooth and darkens with age to a rough, scaly texture.

The Black Cherry is valued for its ornamental and wildlife benefits, particularly its showy flowers and colorful fall foliage. It is used in reforestation projects, as a specimen tree in large spaces, and for its wood in furniture making. This species prefers full sun to part shade and adapts to a range of soil types, though it thrives in well-drained, acidic soils. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to pests such as tent caterpillars and diseases like cherry leaf spot. Gardeners should be aware of its potential to self-seed and become weedy in some areas.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 50-80 feet
  • Width: 15-20 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Mixed forests, forest edges, and clearings

Other Names

Common Names: Wild Black Cherry , Rum Cherry , Wild Cherry , Mountain Black Cherry , Glansbladet Hæg , Späte Trauben-Kirsche , Cerisier D’Automne , Cerisier Tardif , Pruno Tardivo , Romhegg

Scientific Names: Prunus serotina , Padus serotina , Prunus novoleontis , Prunus serotina var. cartilaginea , Prunus fruticosa f. pendula , Cerasus serotina var. montana , Prunus cartilaginea , Prunus serotina var. montana , Cerasus asplenifolia , Prunus capollin var. prophyllosa

GBIF Accepted Name: Prunus serotina Ehrh.