Black Cherry (Rum Cherry, Mountain Black Cherry)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Rosales, Family: Rosaceae, Genus: Prunus, Species: Prunus serotina · Rosaceae (Rose family) · Simple, deciduous leaf
Species
Prunus serotina
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Family
Rosaceae (Rose family)
Shape
Lanceolate to oblong-ovate with an acuminate tip
Size
Approximately 3 inches long and 1.5 inches wide, which is typical for a young or average-sized adult leaf. Adult leaves typically range from 2 to 6 inches long.
Margin
Serrate (finely serrated or crenate-serrate with incurved teeth)
Arrangement
Alternate
Rarity
Very Common
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green on the upper surface, paler green beneath. Distinctive reddish-brown hairs are typically present along the midrib on the lower surface near the petiole.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation with a prominent midrib and secondary veins arching toward the margin.
Texture & Surface
Glaborous (smooth) and semi-glossy on the upper surface, smooth to slightly pubescent on the lower veins.
Description
Prunus serotina is a medium to large deciduous tree known for its dark, scaly bark that resembles burnt cornflakes on mature specimens. It produces showy drooping clusters of white flowers in spring followed by drooping clusters of small, dark red to black cherries that are heavily favored by wildlife. The foliage turns yellow to red in autumn.
Key Features
Finely serrated leaf margins with minute incurved teeth, reddish-brown hairs along the underside of the midrib near the base, and bitter almond scent when crushed.
Habitat
Found in a wide variety of deciduous forests, fence rows, and disturbed areas. Prefers moist, rich soils and full sun to partial shade, though highly adaptable.
Geographic Range
Native to eastern North America, spanning from southeastern Canada down through the eastern and central United States to Texas and Florida, with varieties extending into Mexico and Central America.
Condition Notes
The leaf specimen is in good condition, flattened and preserved for an herbarium mounting, showing minor natural variation in coloration but structurally intact with a clear margin and venation.
Interesting Facts
Black Cherry is the most commercially valuable native hardwood tree in Pennsylvania, New York, and West Virginia, prized for its rich, reddish-brown furniture-grade lumber.
Medicinal & Uses
The inner bark has historically been used in traditional remedies as a cough suppressant, sedative, and tonic. The fruits are used to make jellies, jams, and flavor alcoholic beverages like rum or brandy. The wood is heavily used for fine cabinetry and furniture.
Ecological Role
Serves as an essential host plant for numerous butterfly and moth caterpillars and provides critical food sources for dozens of bird and mammal species through its fruits.
Similar Species
Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) and Pin Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica). Chokecherry leaves tend to be more abruptly pointed and sharply serrated, while Black Cherry leaves have characteristic reddish hairs along the lower midrib.
Foraging Tips
Look for trees with dark, scaly 'burnt cornflakes' bark. Leaves are best examined in spring and summer. Crush a small twig or leaf to check for the distinct bitter almond or cyanide-like scent characteristic of Prunus species.
Toxicity Warning
Moderately Toxic. The leaves, twigs, and seeds of Prunus serotina contain cyanogenic glycosides (specifically prunasin), which break down into hydrogen cyanide when the plant material is damaged, wilted, or ingested, posing a serious threat to livestock and humans if consumed in quantity.