Jesse Saylor
Family
Rosaceae
Botanical Name
Prunus serotina
Plant Common Name
Black Cherry
General Description
The largest of the cherries, this fast-growing, medium to large deciduous tree is valued not only for its ornamental attributes but also as a timber tree. It is native from central and eastern North America to Guatemala.
The tapered, oval, saw-edged leaves are glossy dark green above and paler underneath. New leaves are often bronze-tinged, and fall color is typically bright yellow. In mid to late spring, upright to horizontal, cylindrical clusters of white five-petaled flowers adorn the branches, attracting bees and butterflies. The clusters droop under the weight of the spherical, pea-sized fruits that follow. The fruits - which contain a one-seeded "stone" - ripen from red to blue-black in late summer. The sweet, edible ripe fruits are quickly harvested by birds. Self-sowing is common. This cherry grows relatively rapidly into a narrow-headed, horizontally branched tree, with red-brown bark that eventually becomes fissured and scaly.
Often found on fertile, moist, well-drained soil in the wild, this sun-loving tree also succeeds in dry sites. It is relatively salt-tolerant. Use it as a large shade tree for meadows, lawns, parks, or other sites where its many seedlings are not bothersome or can be mowed down. Among the few named selections is 'White Sparkle,' with slightly drooping branches, abundant flowers, and good fall foliage color.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 9
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
50'-90' / 15.2m - 27.4m (60)
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Width
25'-50' / 7.6m - 15.2m
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring
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Native To
North America, United States, Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, North-Central United States, South-Central United States, Texas, Canada, Central America
