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
Species
Prunus serotina
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Family
Rosaceae (Rose family)
Shape
Lanceolate to ovate-oblong with an acuminate tip
Size
Approximately 4 inches long and 1.5 inches wide, which falls well within the typical species range of 2 to 6 inches long.
Margin
Finely serrate with tiny, inward-curving teeth
Arrangement
Alternate along the twig
Rarity
Very Common
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green upper surface showing signs of mild stress with scattered brownish spots and chlorotic mottling; the underside is typically paler.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation with a prominent midrib and distinct secondary veins, often featuring reddish hairs along the midrib on the lower surface.
Texture & Surface
Smooth, somewhat leathery upper surface with a semi-glossy finish when healthy.
Description
The Black Cherry is a medium to large deciduous tree known for its dark, scaly bark that resembles burnt cornflakes on mature specimens. It produces drooping clusters of small white flowers in spring, followed by hanging clusters of bitter, dark red-to-black cherries that are heavily favored by wildlife. In autumn, the foliage turns vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red.
Key Features
Finely serrate leaf margins, tiny dark glandular dots often visible near the base of the petiole, and distinctive dark scaly bark on mature trunks.
Habitat
Found in mixed deciduous forests, along field edges, fence rows, and disturbed areas. Prefers deep, moist, fertile soils but is quite adaptable to various well-drained soil types.
Geographic Range
Native to eastern and central North America, stretching from southeastern Canada down through the eastern United States to Florida and Texas, with varieties extending into Mexico and Central America.
Condition Notes
Fair condition; shows visible symptoms of fungal leaf spot or minor pest activity with scattered necrotic brown spots and slight chlorosis across the blade.
Interesting Facts
Black cherry wood is one of the most prized cabinet and furniture woods in North America, valued for its rich reddish-brown color and fine grain. The inner bark has historically been used in cough medicines.
Medicinal & Uses
The wood is heavily used for fine furniture, cabinetry, and architectural millwork. Traditionally, infusions of the inner bark were used as a sedative and cough suppressant, though improper preparation can be dangerous.
Ecological Role
Serves as a crucial host plant for numerous butterfly and moth caterpillars and provides an essential food source for over thirty species of birds and various mammals.
Similar Species
Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), which has sharper, more abrupt leaf tips and broader teeth on the margins, and Pin Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica), which has narrower, more oblong leaves with a distinctly glossy finish.
Foraging Tips
Look for trees along forest edges and roadsides. In late summer, search for drooping clusters of dark purple-black fruit. Check the petioles for small red glands near the leaf blade base.
Toxicity Warning
Moderately Toxic. The wilted leaves, twigs, seeds, and bark of Prunus serotina contain cyanogenic glycosides (specifically prunasin), which release hydrogen cyanide when ingested, posing a significant poisoning hazard to livestock and pets.