The Black Cherry is a medium to large native tree found throughout the eastern United States, commonly growing between 50 and 80 feet tall. It thrives in a wide range of soil conditions and is often found in forests, fields, and disturbed areas.

Young trees have smooth, reddish-brown bark marked with horizontal lenticels (small breathing pores), while mature trees develop darker, scaly bark that breaks into irregular plates. In spring, the tree produces long, drooping clusters of small white flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators. The leaves are simple, glossy, and dark green with finely serrated edges.

By late summer, the tree produces small, dark purple to black cherries. These fruits are an important food source for birds and wildlife, though they are bitter to humans unless processed. In fall, the leaves turn shades of yellow to reddish-orange. Black Cherry is also valued for its high-quality hardwood used in furniture and cabinetry.

Works Cited

Black cherry. (n.d.). The Morton Arboretum. https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/black-cherry/

Prunus serotina (Black Cherry, Wild Cherry, Wild Rum Cherry) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. (n.d.). Plants.ces.ncsu.edu. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/prunus-serotina/

Words by Ben Hanson; Photos by Sarah Cote. 2026.