Black Cherry (also known as Rum Cherry or 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 ovate-elliptical with a tapering, acuminate tip
Size
Approximately 3 inches long and 1.25 inches wide, which falls well within the typical species range of 2 to 6 inches long
Margin
Serrate (finely toothed with small, incurved, blunt teeth)
Arrangement
Alternate
Rarity
Very Common
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green upper surface with a slightly paler lower surface; appears healthy and typical with no abnormal discoloration or prominent disease symptoms
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation with a prominent midrib and distinct secondary veins, featuring characteristic brownish hairs along the midrib on the underside (though not visible in this dorsal view)
Texture & Surface
Glabrous (smooth) and semi-glossy on the upper surface with a firm, slightly leathery texture
Description
Prunus serotina is a medium to large deciduous tree known for its dark, scaly bark that resembles burnt cornflakes on mature individuals. It produces showy, drooping racemes of white flowers in spring followed by drooping clusters of bitter, dark purple-black cherries that are heavily favored by wildlife. The leaves emerge folded, turn vibrant yellow to red in autumn, and provide a classic woodland canopy component.
Key Features
Finely serrate leaf margins with tiny incurved teeth, distinct glands near the base of the petiole (often subtle), and characteristic rough, dark, burnt-cornflake bark on mature trunks
Habitat
Found in deciduous forests, along fence rows, forest edges, and disturbed areas; prefers well-drained, fertile soils in full sun to partial shade
Geographic Range
Native to eastern North America, ranging from Nova Scotia and southern Canada down to Florida and Texas, and into parts of Mexico and Central America
Condition Notes
The leaf is in Good condition, preserved flat for an herbarium mount with minimal handling damage, secure venation, and intact margins
Interesting Facts
The wood of the Black Cherry is highly prized in fine furniture making for its rich reddish-brown color and fine grain. Additionally, the inner bark has historically been used in cough syrups and remedies
Medicinal & Uses
Valued primarily for its extremely durable and beautiful hardwood timber used in cabinetry and furniture. Medicinally, extracts from the bark have been used in traditional cough suppressants and sedatives, though raw parts contain compounds that break down into hydrogen cyanide
Ecological Role
Serves as a critical host plant for numerous native caterpillars and moth species. The fruit is an essential food source for birds and mammals, which subsequently aid in seed dispersal
Similar Species
Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), which generally has a more sharply pointed or abruptly pointed leaf tip and sharply serrate teeth that are not as incurved, and Pin Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica), which has oblong-lanceolate leaves with a shiny yellowish-green surface
Foraging Tips
Look for trees along forest edges or old fields with characteristic dark, flaky bark. Leaves are best studied from spring through summer. Ripe black cherries can be foraged in late summer for jams and jellies, provided they are pitted
Toxicity Warning
Moderately Toxic. Wilted leaves, twigs, seeds, and bark contain cyanogenic glycosides (specifically prunasin), which release hydrogen cyanide when ingested, posing a serious poisoning risk to livestock and pets if consumed in quantity