Black Cherry (also known as Rum Cherry, Mountain Black Cherry)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Rosales, Family: Rosaceae, Genus: Prunus, Species: P. serotina · Rosaceae (Rose family) · Simple, deciduous
Species
Prunus serotina
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Family
Rosaceae (Rose family)
Shape
Lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate with an acuminate tip
Size
Approximately 4 inches long and 1.5 inches wide, falling within the typical species range of 2 to 6 inches long
Margin
Finely serrate with incurved, blunt teeth
Arrangement
Alternate
Rarity
Very Common
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green upper surface with a paler underside; features distinctive tiny reddish-brown hair brushes along the midrib on the lower surface
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation with a prominent midrib and secondary veins curving toward the margin
Texture & Surface
Glumaceous and smooth on the upper surface with a slightly paler, matte lower surface
Description
The Black Cherry is a medium to large deciduous tree known for its dark, scaly bark that resembles burnt cornflakes, drooping clusters of white spring flowers, and astringent dark red to black edible fruits
Key Features
Finely serrated leaf margins, reddish-brown hairs along the lower midrib, and distinctive burnt-cornflake bark on mature trees
Habitat
Found in deciduous forests, along fence rows, and on forest edges, thriving in moist, well-drained soils and full to partial sun
Geographic Range
Native to eastern North America, ranging from southeastern Canada down through the eastern and central United States to Florida and Texas
Condition Notes
Pressed and preserved herbarium specimen in fair condition, showing minor edge wear and secured with transparent tape
Interesting Facts
The wood is highly valued for fine furniture and cabinetry due to its rich reddish-brown color and fine grain; the bark has historically been used in cough medicines
Medicinal & Uses
Bark extracts have been used in traditional medicine for cough suppressants and sedatives; fruits are used to make jellies, jams, and wine
Ecological Role
Provides critical food sources for numerous birds and mammals via its fruit and serves as a major larval host for many butterfly and moth species
Similar Species
Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), which has sharply serrated teeth and a more abruptly pointed leaf apex, and Pin Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica), which has wider, oblong leaves with rounded teeth
Foraging Tips
Look for trees with rough, dark, scaly bark in mixed woodlands; crush a twig to detect the faint bitter almond aroma characteristic of the Prunus genus
Toxicity Warning
Moderately Toxic. Wilted leaves, twigs, seeds, and bark contain cyanogenic glycosides that release hydrogen cyanide when ingested, making them potentially lethal to livestock