Key Facts
- Deciduous native North American tree
- Clusters of white spring flowers in racemes
- Small black cherries follow the flowers and feed wildlife
- Wood is valued for furniture and cabinetry
- Leaves seeds and bark contain cyanogenic compounds
- Reproduces by seed and by stump or root sprouting
- Tolerates a wide range of soils and drought once established
Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) is a native deciduous tree prized for clusters of white spring flowers and small dark fruit that attract birds and mammals. Many parts of the tree contain cyanogenic compounds so leaves, bark and pits should be kept away from livestock and pets.
Identification
Black Cherry usually forms a medium to large tree with a typical mature height around 3060 ft (918 m) and a crown spread commonly 2040 ft (612 m). Look for elongated leaves, showy white racemes of spring flowers and small black cherries that follow the blooms and feed wildlife.
Where to grow and best uses
Hardy from USDA zones 39 and adaptable to many soils, Black Cherry suits woodland edges, wildlife plantings and naturalized areas. It prefers full sun to part shade for best flowering and fruiting and tolerates dry sites once established. Its wood is valued for furniture making but the tree can naturalize aggressively in favorable sites.
Planting
Plant while the tree is dormant to reduce transplant stress and place the root flare at soil level for healthy establishment. Allow room for the mature crown by spacing trees according to the expected 2040 ft spread so crowns do not overcrowd each other in time.
Watering and soil
Black Cherry prefers well drained fertile loam but tolerates clay and drier sites once established. Regular watering during establishment helps root development. Poor drainage leads to stress and winter dieback, while more shade reduces flowering and fruit set.
After flowering care and pruning
Prune to remove dead wood, maintain a single leader on young trees and cut back low suckers to improve form and safety. Pruning after flowering avoids removing buds for the current year and helps limit excessive self-seeding by reducing fruiting wood when desired.
Controlling spread and volunteers
Prunus serotina reproduces by seed and by stump and root sprouting so expect seedlings and suckers in disturbed or warm sites. Remove young volunteers promptly and cut sprouting stumps low to reduce re-sprouting. Monitor stands where naturalizing is unwanted because the species can become locally aggressive.
Propagation
Propagate by seed following cold stratification for reliable germination, by transplanting seedlings, or by vegetative means where applicable. The species also regenerates readily from stump and root sprouts. Selected cultivars may be grafted or propagated by cuttings for specific traits.
Toxicity and wildlife
Leaves, bark and seeds contain cyanogenic compounds that can release cyanide when crushed or wilted. Fruit flesh is eaten by people and wildlife but avoid chewing pits. The tree provides important food for birds and mammals while posing a poisoning risk to livestock and pets if plant parts are ingested.
Frequently asked questions
- How fast does Black Cherry grow?
- Growth rate varies by site and climate but it often grows moderately fast on fertile, well drained sites and slows in colder, harsher climates.
- Are the fruits edible?
- Ripe cherry flesh is edible and eaten by people and wildlife but pits should not be chewed because they contain cyanogenic compounds.
- Is Black Cherry invasive?
- It is not listed as a widespread invasive species but it self-seeds heavily and sprouts from stumps in warm or disturbed sites, so it can naturalize locally and crowd out other vegetation.
- Is Black Cherry toxic to pets?
- Yes many Prunus species are toxic to dogs and cats due to cyanogenic glycosides in leaves, bark and seeds; contact your local extension or veterinarian for current guidance.
- How do I stop suckers and stump sprouts?
- Remove suckers and seedlings by hand when small and cut sprouting stumps low. Repeated removal reduces vigor over time; follow local best practices for long term control.
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