Black Cherry (Rum Cherry, Mountain Black Cherry)
Prunus serotina · Rosaceae (Rose family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple leaf, deciduous
Shape
Lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate with an acuminate (tapering) tip
Margin
Finely serrate (toothed) with characteristic tiny, incurved, blunt teeth
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate venation with a prominent midrib and distinct secondary veins, often featuring tiny reddish hairs along the midrib on the underside near the base.
Key Features
Finely serrate leaf margins with tiny incurved teeth, the presence of small reddish-brown glands near the base of the petiole, and dark, rough bark on mature trees.
Description
Prunus serotina, commonly known as the black cherry, is a medium to large deciduous tree recognized for its dark, scaly bark that resembles burnt cornflakes. It produces showy hanging clusters of white flowers in spring, followed by dark red to black cherries that are highly prized by wildlife.
Habitat
Thrives in rich, moist soils of deciduous forests, along fence rows, forest edges, and old fields, preferring full sun to partial shade.
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, ranging from southeastern Canada down through the eastern United States to Florida and Texas, and into parts of Mexico and Central America.