Black Cherry

Black cherry is a large, native tree found in the Midwest and throughout the eastern United States. The showy white flowers appear as pendulous clusters in early spring followed by dark, pea-sized fruits in late summer. The mature bark is dark and scaly, often flipping on the edges. The bark is dark gray to almost black.  It is scaly with upturned edges. Simple, alternate leaves with finely toothed margins. Leaves are 2 to 5 inches long with small glands near the base by or on the petiole.

Distribution: Midwest and Eastern United States. 

Uses: The wood is used for cooking and smoking foods, where it imparts a unique flavor. The timber is valuable; perhaps the premier cabinetry timber of the U.S., traded as "cherry".