Identifying Black Cherry Trees in the Landscape

You've spotted a tree with cherry-like leaves but something seems off. It might be black cherry (Prunus serotina), a common native tree that's more valuable to wildlife than to the home orchard.

How to Recognize Black Cherry

Black cherry leaves are alternate, simple, and oval with fine teeth along the edges. They have a distinctive rusty-brown pubescence along the midrib on the underside. The bark on mature trees is dark and scaly, often described as resembling burnt potato chips. In spring, it produces long, drooping clusters of small white flowers, followed by tiny black fruits that birds devour.

Why It's Not an Ideal Landscape Tree

While black cherry supports many caterpillars (including the eastern tent caterpillar) and provides food for birds, it has drawbacks in a yard. The fruit stains pavement, the tree is prone to storm damage due to brittle wood, and its coarse form doesn't fit manicured landscapes. It also self-seeds aggressively.

Photos for Identification

Black cherry tree

Black cherry foliage and bark

Black cherry fruit

If you have a black cherry growing where you don't want it, removal is easiest when the tree is young. For mature trees, consult an arborist.