Prunus serotina – Black Cherry

Description

1. The Black Cherry is a medium to large-sized deciduous tree that can reach heights of 60-90 feet (18-27 meters). It has a straight trunk with dark, rough bark that develops distinctive horizontal lines as it matures. The leaves are oval-shaped with serrated edges and a glossy dark green color.

2. Flowers: In late spring to early summer, the Black Cherry produces clusters of small, white flowers. These flowers are fragrant and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

3. Fruits: The tree produces small, round fruits known as cherries. These cherries start off green and turn dark red to black when ripe. They are edible and have a sweet-tart flavor, but they are more commonly consumed by wildlife.

MAINTENANCE NEEDS:   Low Maintenance.  Water regularly.  Potential diseases include leaf spot, die back, leaf curl, powdery mildew, root rot and fireblight.  Potential insects include aphids, scale, borers, leafhoppers, caterpillars, and Japanese beetles. Difficult to transplant do to deep taproot.

LANDSCAPE USES:  Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Wildlife Garden, Foundation Plantings, Hedges, and Containers.

COMPANION PLANTS:  Clethra, Cephalanthus, Itea

IMAGES: Famartin, 2019-05-04 15 48 54 A Black Cherry sapling blooming along Ladybank Lane in the Chantilly Highlands section of Oak Hill, Fairfax County, Virginia, CC BY-SA 4.0, (2) Katrin Schneider, korina.info – CC-BY-SA-4.0, Korina 2015-06-30 Prunus serotina 1, CC BY-SA 4.0, (3) Rasbak, Amerikaanse vogelkers bessen Prunus serotina, CC BY-SA 3.0, (4) Annabell Hormann, korina.info – CC-BY-SA-4.0, Korina 2013-10-22 Prunus serotina, CC BY-SA 4.0

*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.