Black Cherry (Rum Cherry, Mountain Black Cherry)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Rosales, Family: Rosaceae, Genus: Prunus, Species: P. serotina · Rosaceae (Rose family) · Simple leaf, deciduous
Species
Prunus serotina
Leaf Type
Simple leaf, deciduous
Family
Rosaceae (Rose family)
Shape
Lanceolate to oblong-ovate with an acuminate tip
Size
Approximately 3 to 4 inches long and 1.5 inches wide, which is well within the typical species range of 2 to 6 inches long
Margin
Finely serrate (toothed) with tiny, incurved, blunt teeth
Arrangement
Alternate
Rarity
Very Common
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green upper surface with a slightly paler underside; prominent reddish-brown or rust-colored hairs are visible along the midrib on the lower side, with minor mechanical scratch marks across the blade
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation with a prominent central midrib and ascending secondary veins
Texture & Surface
Glabrous (smooth) and slightly glossy on the upper surface with a leathery feel
Description
Prunus serotina, commonly known as the black cherry, is a medium to large deciduous tree known for its dark, scaly bark that resembles burnt cornflakes, fragrant white spring flowers drooping in racemes, and small, astringent dark red to black fruits that are favored by wildlife
Key Features
Finely serrated leaf margins, reddish-brown hairs along the underside of the midrib, and tiny glands near the base of the leaf petiole
Habitat
Found in mixed hardwood forests, along fence rows, forest edges, and disturbed areas; prefers moist, rich soils and full to partial sun
Geographic Range
Native to eastern North America, spanning from southeastern Canada down through the eastern and central United States to Texas and Florida, and extending into parts of Mexico and Central America
Condition Notes
Good overall health with minor surface blemishes and a linear mechanical scratch across the blade, but free of major fungal disease or pest infestation
Interesting Facts
Black cherry is the largest native cherry in North America and produces valuable reddish-brown hardwood highly prized for fine furniture and cabinetry; the foliage and twigs contain compounds that release hydrogen cyanide when wilted
Medicinal & Uses
Bark extracts have historically been used in traditional cough medicines and sedatives; the wood is heavily utilized in woodworking, and the fruits are used to flavor jams, jellies, and alcoholic beverages
Ecological Role
Provides crucial food sources for numerous birds and mammals through its fruit, serves as a major larval host for various butterfly and moth species, and acts as a pioneer species in forest succession
Similar Species
Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), which has sharper, more abrupt leaf tips and coarser teeth, and Pin Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica), which has narrower, more oblong leaves with finer glossier surfaces
Foraging Tips
Look for trees with rough, dark, flaky bark and alternate, finely toothed leaves featuring characteristic rusty hairs along the underside of the central vein; best foraged in late summer when ripe dark fruits appear
Toxicity Warning
Moderately Toxic. Wilted leaves, twigs, seeds, and bark contain cyanogenic glycosides which release hydrogen cyanide when consumed by livestock or humans, posing significant poisoning risks