NAME:
COMMON – Black Cherry
BOTANICAL – Prunus serotina
FAMILY – Rosaceae

DERIVATION:
Native to eastern United States and west to Texas.  Introduced 1629.

GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS:
This conical deciduous tree grows approximately 50’ by 40’ or larger, and blooms  white in spring (April-May). Dark green leaves turn yellow to red in fall and the fruit turns red to black. Susceptible to number of diseases (fireblight, powdery mildew, etc.) and pests like caterpillars, Japanese beetles, and aphids.

LOCATION:
Prefers full sun with moist fertile soil but also grows in dry, gravelly soil.  Because of its aggressive nature, it will attempt to ‘take over’ a site.

ATTRIBUTES, VALUE, UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS:
Provides nectar for pollinators, larval host for butterflies, and fruits are eaten by songbirds. Its lumber is used in furniture products. It is deer resistant.

.