Black cherry, Prunus serotina.
Paul Nelson
Black Cherry
Prunus serotina
Edible
Family:
Rosaceae (roses)
Description:
Black cherry is a medium to large tree with a straight trunk, somewhat hanging branches, and a rather spreading, rounded crown.
Leaves are alternate, simple, with a leathery texture, rounded at base, 2–6 inches long, 1–2 inches wide, elliptical; margin finely toothed with teeth turning inward. Upper surface dark green, shiny; lower surface paler with hairs along the midvein; leaf stalk with small glands near the leaf base.
Bark is dark reddish brown, smooth when young; black, broken into small, scaly plates with turned-back edges with age.
Twigs are slender, flexible, smooth, reddish- or olive brown with a grayish coating; pores small, numerous; with an extremely bitter almond taste and smell upon scratching.
Flowers April–May in dense, elongated, cylindrical clusters, 2–3 inches long, flowers about ¼ inch across, with 5 white petals.
Fruits August–September, clusters with 15–30 fruits, each round, dark purple to black, ¼–½ inch across, shiny, thin-skinned, with juicy flesh, bittersweet, edible.
Size:
Height: to 60 feet.
black_cherry.jpg
Black Cherry
black_cherry_flowers_scan.jpg
Black cherry flowers
Habitat and conservation:
Occurs on a variety of soils, but it grows best in upland woods and along streams, on deep, rich alluvial soils. Often associated with bitternut hickory, walnut, northern red oak, white oak, sugar maple, and basswood, and attains its greatest quality when it grows in competition for light with surrounding trees.
Distribution in Missouri:
Statewide.
Human connections:
Demand for quality black cherry wood ranks second only to black walnut. Veneer, furniture, and lumber are made from this tree. The wood is a rich red color, is easy to machine, and holds its shape well. This species has long been used in landscaping. The fruit is used for making jelly and wine.
Ecosystem connections:
At least 33 species of birds, including bobwhite, wild turkey, and ruffed grouse, as well as raccoons, opossums, squirrels, rabbits, and others consume the fruit.
Similar Species
Wild Plum
Prunus americana
Prairie Crab Apple
Malus ioensis
Callery Pear (Bradford Pear)
Pyrus calleryana
Downy Serviceberry
Amelanchier arborea
Great Places to See Black Cherry
About Trees, Shrubs and Woody Vines in Missouri
There are no sharp dividing lines between trees, shrubs, and woody vines, or even between woody and nonwoody plants. “Wood” is a type of tissue made of cellulose and lignin that many plants develop as they mature — whether they are “woody” or not. Trees are woody plants over 13 feet tall with a single trunk. Shrubs are less than 13 feet tall, with multiple stems. Vines require support or else sprawl over the ground.