Black Cherry, Wild Black Cherry, Mountain Black Cherry
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Magnoliophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Rosales, Family: Rosaceae, Genus: Prunus, Species: Prunus serotina · Rosaceae (Rose family) · Simple, deciduous
Species
Prunus serotina (High confidence)
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Family
Rosaceae (Rose family)
Shape
Ovate to lanceolate, slightly oblong
Size
Estimated 3-5 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. This specimen appears approximately 4 inches, fitting the typical mature range.
Margin
Finely serrate with incurved (hooked) teeth
Arrangement
Alternate
Rarity
Very Common
Color & Pattern
Upper surface is a lustrous dark green; undersurface is paler. In late summer/autumn, it turns yellow or reddish-orange. This specimen shows a healthy, vibrant mid-summer green.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with a prominent midrib; secondary veins curve upward toward the margin.
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous) and slightly leathery on top. The midrib on the underside typically has a fringe of rusty-brown hairs (pubescence) near the base.
Description
The Black Cherry is the largest of the native cherries, often reaching heights of 60-80 feet. It is easily identified by its 'burnt cornflakes' bark on mature trees and its drooping clusters (racemes) of small white flowers that appear in spring, followed by dark purple-black peas-sized drupes (cherries).
Key Features
Incurved teeth on leaf margins and distinctive brownish-orange fuzzy hairs along the midrib on the leaf's underside near the stem.
Habitat
Thrives in various environments including open fields, fence rows, and deciduous forests; prefers rich, moist, well-drained soils but is adaptable.
Geographic Range
Native to North America, ranging from eastern Canada through the eastern United States into Mexico and Guatemala. Widely naturalized in Europe.
Condition Notes
The leaf appears to be in Good to Excellent condition with no significant signs of chlorosis, pest mining, or fungal spotting. The tip shows slight mechanical wear or minor insect browsing.
Interesting Facts
The bark and wilted leaves contain hydrocyanic acid (cyanide precursors), which gives the twigs a bitter almond scent when crushed, but makes them toxic to livestock.
Medicinal & Uses
Extremely valuable for timber, particularly for high-end furniture. Historically, the bark was used in cough syrups and tonics. The ripe fruit is used for jellies and flavoring spirits like cherry bounce.
Ecological Role
A vital wildlife tree; the fruit is a major food source for dozens of bird species and mammals. It is a host plant for the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly larvae.
Similar Species
Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) which has sharper, spreading teeth and lacks the rusty hairs, and Pin Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica) which has more narrow, lance-shaped leaves.
Foraging Tips
Look for the distinctive flaky bark and the orange fuzz on the leaf underside during summer. Only harvest berries when they are truly dark black; unripe red berries are very astringent.
Toxicity Warning
Highly Toxic to livestock and pets if wilted leaves are ingested due to cyanide-producing glycosides. The pits also contain these toxins. The ripe fruit flesh is generally safe for humans.