Dark Cherry Fruits
Produces small rounded fruits that develop from red to deep purple-black when mature and attract birds and wildlife.
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Prunus Serotina, commonly known as American black cherry or wild black cherry, is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It is recognized for its glossy green leaves, fragrant clusters of small white flowers, and dark red to nearly black cherries that mature during summer. This attractive woodland tree provides ornamental value, shade, and food for birds and other wildlife. Black cherry is suitable for larger gardens, natural landscapes, and woodland planting areas where adequate growing space is available.
Produces small rounded fruits that develop from red to deep purple-black when mature and attract birds and wildlife.
Features clusters of small, fragrant white flowers during spring, adding seasonal beauty to outdoor landscapes.
Develops glossy, dark green leaves with finely serrated edges that provide attractive summer foliage and seasonal fall color.
Grows into a medium to large deciduous tree suitable for spacious gardens, woodland landscapes, and naturalized areas.
| Scientific Name | Prunus serotina |
| Common Name | American Black Cherry, Wild Black Cherry |
| Plant Family | Rosaceae |
| Seed Type | Tree Seeds |
| Plant Type | Deciduous Perennial Tree |
| Growth Habit | Upright, medium to large deciduous tree |
| Native Range | Eastern North America |
| Flower Color | White |
| Fruit Color | Red when developing, turning dark purple to black when ripe |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | Approximately 3–9, depending on regional variety and growing conditions |
| Planting Season | Fall or spring, depending on seed preparation and local climate |
| Seed Starting | Requires cold stratification before sowing |
| Germination Time | Variable; germination may be delayed and occur over multiple growing seasons |
| Germination Temperature | Cool stratification followed by suitable spring growing temperatures |
| Sunlight | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Requirements | Deep, fertile, moist, well-drained loamy or sandy soil |
| Watering | Maintain consistent moisture during early establishment; avoid prolonged waterlogging |
| Mature Plant Size | Approximately 50–80 feet tall under suitable growing conditions; size varies by location |
| Plant Spacing | Allow generous spacing according to the expected mature canopy and landscape requirements |
Bring natural woodland beauty to your landscape with Prunus Serotina Black Cherry. Known for its fragrant white spring flowers, attractive green foliage, and dark summer fruits, this impressive native tree offers lasting ornamental and wildlife value. With proper cold stratification, suitable soil, and adequate growing space, black cherry can become a beautiful addition to larger gardens and natural landscapes.
Find helpful answers about black cherry seed germination, tree growth, and fruit characteristics.
Prunus serotina seeds require cold stratification to overcome natural dormancy. Clean the seeds, place them in a moist stratification medium, and provide an appropriate period of refrigerated treatment before sowing. Keep the growing medium moist after planting. Germination can be delayed, and some seeds may emerge over multiple growing seasons.
American black cherry commonly grows approximately 50 to 80 feet tall under favorable conditions, although mature size varies with climate, soil, and growing environment. It develops into a substantial deciduous tree with an expanding canopy, making it better suited to spacious gardens, parks, and woodland landscapes than small planting areas.
Fully ripe black cherry fruit pulp is edible and is traditionally used in jams, jellies, and other preparations. However, the seeds, leaves, and other plant parts contain cyanogenic compounds that can release hydrogen cyanide when damaged or digested. Do not consume the pits or other potentially toxic plant parts, and keep them away from livestock.