FEATURED NATIVE TREE • BLACK CHERRY

FEATURED NATIVE TREE: Prunus serotina, black cherry

Black cherry is known for the beauty and quality of its wood – a favorite of furniture makers. The green leaves turn to yellow in the fall. It is easy to grow and will reward you with dangling, lace-like blossoms in the spring that attract large numbers of native bees. Wildlife eat the fruits. This is a fast-growing, pioneer species. Eastern tent caterpillars prefer black cherries. All parts of Prunus species except the fruits contain poisonous substances and should never be eaten. The plant drops lots of twigs, leaves, and fruit, and in cultivation can be allelopathic to garden plants. For additional information on growing conditions and habitat, click the button below.

WILDFLOWER.ORG – PLANTS OF CHESAPEAKE BAY • BLACK CHERRY