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 based on leaf margin, shape, and presence of glands on petiole)
Leaf Type
Simple, Deciduous
Family
Rosaceae (Rose family)
Shape
Ovate to lanceolate with an acute apex and a cuneate base
Size
Typically 2-5 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. The specimen shown appears to be approximately 3.5 inches, well within the normal adult range.
Margin
Finely serrate with small, incurved (inflexed) teeth. Each tooth often has a tiny glandular tip.
Arrangement
Alternate
Rarity
Very Common; it is one of the most prolific pioneer species in its native range.
Color & Pattern
Glossy dark green on the upper surface, paler green beneath. It features a characteristic line of reddish-brown pubescence (hairs) along the midrib on the underside near the base. Autumn colors range from yellow to orange or reddish-pink.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with a prominent central midrib and secondary veins that curve toward the apex.
Texture & Surface
Smooth and glossy (glabrous) on top, slightly leathery (coriaceous). The underside is mostly smooth except for the distinctive hairy midrib.
Description
The Black Cherry is a medium to large deciduous tree known for its 'burnt cornflakes' bark texture in maturity. The leaves are strikingly shiny and dark. In spring, it produces drooping racemes of white five-petaled flowers, which give way to small, dark purple-black drupes (cherries) in late summer. It has a straight trunk and a narrow, oblong crown.
Key Features
The most definitive features are the finely serrate leaf margins with incurved teeth and the presence of two small glands on the petiole just below the leaf blade. The 'burnt cornflake' bark on mature specimens is also a diagnostic hallmark.
Habitat
Thrives in a variety of environments including deciduous forests, old fields, and fence rows. Prefers deep, moist, fertile soils but is highly adaptable to drier sites.
Geographic Range
Native to eastern North America, from eastern Canada through the United States to Florida and west to Arizona and Guatemala. Extensively naturalized in parts of Europe.
Condition Notes
The specimen appears to be in Good to Excellent condition with vigorous green color. There are minor yellow spots (likely early chlorosis or slight fungal spotting) and very minor mechanical tearing at the tip, but no significant insect herbivory is visible.
Interesting Facts
The wood of the Black Cherry is highly prized for high-end furniture and cabinetry for its rich color and grain. While the fruit is edible (though tart), the wilted leaves, twigs, and pits contain hydrocyanic acid (cyanide), which can be fatal to livestock if ingested.
Medicinal & Uses
The inner bark has historically been used in cough syrups and tonics for its sedative properties. The fruit is used to make jellies, wines, and brandies. It is highly valued in timber markets second only to Black Walnut in some regions.
Ecological Role
Critical food source for over 450 species of butterflies and moths (host plant). The fruit is a vital energy source for songbirds and small mammals during the late summer migration buildup.
Similar Species
Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) which has wider leaves and sharper, outward-pointing serrations; Pin Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica) which has narrower, more lance-shaped leaves and lacks the hairy midrib.
Foraging Tips
Look for the distinctive white flower racemes in May and early June. Check the base of the leaf's midrib for the 'rusty' hairs to confirm identity. Search for fruit in late August, but ensure they are fully ripe (nearly black) before picking for processing.
Toxicity Warning
Moderately Toxic. The seeds (pits), bark, and especially wilted leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides. Ingestion of these parts can lead to cyanide poisoning. The fleshy fruit is non-toxic when the pit is removed.