Black cherry

Scientific name: Prunus serotina

Family: Rosaceae (Rose family)

The rapid-growing black cherry tree is common throughout Ohio and is often found in open fields and previously harvested forests. This deciduous woodland tree is known for its beautiful, fine-grained heartwood which is commonly used for wood furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, and veneer. The largest native cherry tree, black cherry grows quickly due to its prolific fruit and seed distribution but is intolerant to competition for sunlight. It prefers deep, moist, well-drained soils of variable pH under full to partial sun conditions, but can also tolerate poor, dry soils with a reduced growth rate. Black cherry is susceptible to damage from the cherry scallop shell moth and the eastern tent caterpillar. The twigs, leaves, bark, and seeds of black cherry may poison livestock if ingested, however, deer are able to eat them without harm.

Identification

LEAF: Leaves are 2-5 inches long, lustrous, and dark green on top and pale below with pubescence on the midrib. They are alternate, simple, narrowly oval or oblong, and have fine serrations along their margins.

TWIGS AND BUDS: Twigs are shiny, thin, reddish-brown, and dotted with prominent lenticels. Smooth branchlets and branches with striking horizontal lenticels.

FLOWER: White, 4-6 inches long cylindrical structures that bloom in mid-spring, attracting many bees and later giving rise to fruits.

FRUIT OR SEED: Small dark red or purple cherries are eaten prematurely by birds and mammals in summer, while the remaining fruits turn black and are sweeter, softer, and juicier.

BARK: Young bark is smooth with narrow horizontal lenticels, becoming dark brown to black with small irregular scaly plates.

SHAPE: Symmetrical during growth becoming irregular through maturity.

MATURE HEIGHT: 60-80 feet.

Photo credits: ©Arthur Haines (Native Plant Trust), Steven Baskauf, Donald Cameron, Frank Bramley (© 2024 Native Plant Trust), Alexey Zinovjev