Black Cherry
Scientific Name: Prunus serotina
Height: 50-60 ft
Width: 30 ft
Growing Rate: Fast (growing over 24 inches per year)
Leaf color: Dark green that changes to yellow/red in the fall
Attributes
Black cherry trees produce small, white flowers in the spring and small purple fruit in the late summer. The fruit is edible, however, it has a bittersweet flavor. Between 30 years and 100 years of age is when the best fruit is produced. The bark is initially smooth and reddish brown but as it matures the bark begins to break and peel away, causing an easy identifier. Black cherry trees can live up to 200 years.
How to care for a successful tree
Black cherry trees prefer full sun. They do well in a variety of soil types and moisture levels as they are drought-tolerant.
Fun Facts
This tree was once referred to as a rum cherry tree because folks used to use the fruit to flavor rum and brandy to make a drink called “cherry bounce”
Crushed leaves and bark produce a cherry aroma
Black cherry tree bark is used to make cough medicine and wild cherry syrup.
The fruit is used to make jelly and wine
Wildlife
Black cherry trees are considered the 2nd most important tree for wildlife (after the oak tree). Host plants to over 400 species of moths and butterflies. The berries feed 33 species of birds and several mammals. The tree also provides nectar and pollen for honeybees and bumblebees.