Wild Guide: Black Cherry

Black Cherry

Prunus serotina

Status

Edible

Size

Height: to 60 feet

Distribution

Statewide

Black cherry trees are medium to large in size with a straight trunk and a rounded canopy. Between April and May, white cylindrical flowers, approximately 2–3 inches long, bloom in clusters. As black cherry trees age, the bark goes from smooth and dark reddish brown to black, broken, scaly plates with turned-back edges. Black cherry trees can thrive in a variety of soils but do best in upland woods and along streams.

Ecosystem Connections

If you are going to pick black cherries, best get to them quickly because you won’t be the only one. At least 33 species of birds — including bobwhite, wild turkey, and ruffed grouse — as well as raccoons, opossums, squirrels, rabbits, and others also consume the fruit.

Human connections

Black cherry trees are valued both for their wood and fruit.

Demand for black cherry wood ranks second only to black walnut. With its rich red color and ability to hold its shape, black cherry wood is used to make furniture, lumber, and veneer. It is also valued in landscaping projects.

The fruit, which ripens in August through September, is dark purple to black and grows in clusters of 15–30. The fruit has a bittersweet taste and is used in jellies and wine.