Black Cherry
Prunus serotina
Also listed as Padus serotina, Cerasus serotina
Also known as Wild Black Cherry, Wild Cherry, Rum Cherry
Climate Match for your location
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A native deciduous tree prized for its small black fruits that attract wildlife and its attractive fall foliage. Grows vigorously and is valuable for naturalizing in woodlands and informal landscapes.
Why grow it
Black cherry offers wildlife value comparable to other native stone fruits, with the advantage of establishing readily in woodland edges and disturbed sites where ornamental cherries often struggle. Unlike many Prunus species, it tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and requires minimal ongoing maintenance once established, making it practical for naturalistic landscapes rather than formal settings. The timber also has commercial value in some regions.
Watch out for
The tree tends to sucker vigorously from roots and stumps, which can require management if you need to contain it within specific landscape boundaries. Dense shade cast by mature trees can inhibit undergrowth establishment, so plan accordingly if you intend other plantings beneath the canopy.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A native deciduous tree prized for its small black fruits that attract wildlife and its attractive fall foliage. Grows vigorously and is valuable for naturalizing in woodlands and informal landscapes.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Black Cherry grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Black cherry offers wildlife value comparable to other native stone fruits, with the advantage of establishing readily in woodland edges and disturbed sites where ornamental cherries often struggle. Unlike many Prunus species, it tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and requires minimal ongoing maintenance once established, making it practical for naturalistic landscapes rather than formal settings. The timber also has commercial value in some regions.
Watch out for
The tree tends to sucker vigorously from roots and stumps, which can require management if you need to contain it within specific landscape boundaries. Dense shade cast by mature trees can inhibit undergrowth establishment, so plan accordingly if you intend other plantings beneath the canopy.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar canopy trees you might consider:
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