Scientific Name:
Prunus serotina
Common Name:
Black cherry
Scientific Name Pronounciation:
PROO-nus say-ROTT-ih-nuh
Plant Type:
Tree
Plant Hardiness Zones:
3B through 9A
Plant Hardiness Zone(s):
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
Usual Size:
60'-100' tall, with crown width up to 70'
Flower:
White, fragrant
Bloom Time Notes:
Spring
Leaf:
Deciduous, alternate, shiny, simple, oblate or oblanceolate, 4-5" long, dark green, turning to yellow/orange in autumn
Fruit:
Elongated clusters of pea-sized cherries, red-to-almost black when ripe
Wildlife:
Larval host to many caterpillar species; flowers attract pollinators; fruit a food source for mammals and birds; susceptible to eastern tent caterpillar infestation
Natural Habitat:
Forest coves and woodland edges
Propagation:
Self-sows by seed in the wild
Bloom Time:
- Spring
Sun or Shade:
Companion Plants:
Cultural Notes:
Wood is prized for furniture and fine woodworking. Plant parts are toxic, except for the fruit and inner bark, which is used to flavor cough syrup