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
Oblanceolate to elliptic
Size
Approximately 4 inches long and 1.75 inches wide, which is typical for the species; adult leaves generally range from 2 to 6 inches in length
Margin
Finely serrate with characteristic tiny, incurved, blunt teeth
Arrangement
Alternate
Rarity
Very Common
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green on the upper surface, slightly paler on the lower surface, with no prominent variegation; appears healthy and normal for a mature summer leaf
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with a prominent central midrib and ascending secondary veins branching outward
Texture & Surface
Glabrous (smooth) and somewhat shiny on the upper surface, matte on the underside with occasional fuzzy brown hairs near the base of the midrib
Description
The Black Cherry is the largest and most commercially important native cherry in North America. It features dark, flaky bark resembling burnt corn flakes on mature trees, abundant drooping clusters of white spring flowers, and small, astringent dark red to black fruits that are heavily favored by wildlife.
Key Features
Finely serrate margins with tiny blunt teeth, glands near the base of the petiole, and smooth, shiny dark green upper leaf surfaces
Habitat
Found primarily in deciduous forests, along field edges, fencerows, and disturbed areas; prefers moist, fertile soils and full to partial sun
Geographic Range
Native to eastern North America, stretching from southeastern Canada down through the eastern and central United States to Texas and Florida
Condition Notes
Good condition with minor insect feeding holes near the margins, but otherwise structurally sound and vibrant
Interesting Facts
The bark and wilted leaves of the black cherry contain cyanogenic glycosides which release hydrogen cyanide when consumed, making them potentially dangerous to livestock. However, the ripe fruit is widely used to make jams, jellies, and cherry bounce
Medicinal & Uses
The inner bark has traditionally been used in cough syrups and sedatives due to its soothing properties. The wood is a prized hardwood in furniture making, valued for its rich reddish-brown patina and fine grain
Ecological Role
Serves as an essential host plant for numerous butterfly and moth larvae, and its fruit provides vital sustenance for dozens of bird and mammal species
Similar Species
Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), which has a more abruptly pointed leaf tip and sharper serrations, and Pin Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica), which has narrower, oblong-lanceolate leaves
Foraging Tips
Look for the distinctive burnt-cornflake bark on larger trees and examine the petiole for tiny raised glands near the leaf base. Ripe black cherries can be foraged in late summer
Toxicity Warning
Moderately Toxic. Wilted leaves and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides that can release cyanide if ingested by humans or livestock