Description
Black cherry is a medium-sized, fast-growing forest tree growing to a height of 50-80 feet.
The wild black cherry tree (Prunis serontina) is an indigenous North American tree which will grow to between 60-90 feet tall with lightly serrated, shiny, dark green leaves. Growing black cherries have low branches which tend to droop and brush the ground.
Plant Specifications
| Common Name | wild black cherry, rum cherry, or mountain black cherry |
| Maximum Reachable Height | 50.00 to 80.00 feet |
| Flower Colour | dark red to black in color |
| Bloom Time | April to May |
| Difficulty Level | dificult |
Planting and care
Black cherry care
Growing black cherries are hardy to USDA zones 2-8. Otherwise, the black cherry tree, s requirements are relatively simple.
The tree prefers some sun exposure but is most often found in the wild as an under story tree, living beneath the canopy of forest and hence often in shadow. Black cherry trees will tolerate a variety of soil media.
Before transplanting black cherry trees, however, keep in mind that the tree is quite messy. The dropping fruit tends to stain concrete and the remaining seeds can be treacherous for anyone walking beneath the tree.
| Sunlight | Full sun to part shade |
| Watering | Medium |
| Soil | well-drained soils |
| Temperature | 1 to 6 C (34 to 43 F) |
| Fertilizer | apply any organic fertilizer |
Black cherry special feature
The tree grows best in a slightly acid to neutral pH soil. Avoid wet sites.
Black cherry uses
Ornamental Use:
- Spring blossoms, Fall color, Edible fruit, Showy flowers, Attractive bark
Medicinal Use:
- It is used for colds, whooping cough, bronchitis and other lung problems; diarrhea; gout; digestive disorders; pain; and cancer
- It is also used in cough syrups because of its sedative, expectorant, drying, and cough-suppressing effects
Culinary Use:
- Fruit of Prunus avium (the common cherry readily available in stores) as well as wild cherry is eaten plain, added to pies, jams, juice, liqueurs and wine