Wild Black Cherry (Prunus serotina): A Native Timber Tree with Bitter Fruit

Wild Black Cherry, Prunus serotina, is a large, deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It is a valuable timber tree and an important wildlife food source.

Forest Giant

This tree grows 50–80 feet tall with a narrow, oval crown. The bark is distinctive: dark, scaly, resembling burnt potato chips. The leaves are elliptic, glossy, with fine teeth. In spring, it produces long, pendulous racemes of small white flowers. The fruit is a small, black cherry, bitter but eaten by birds and mammals.

Ecological and Economic Value

Prunus serotina is a pioneer species in forest succession. Its wood is prized for furniture and veneer. The fruit supports over 40 bird species. It tolerates a range of soils but prefers moist, well-drained. All parts except ripe fruit contain cyanogenic compounds.