treeN. America Native

Black Cherry

Name: Black Cherry
Brand: Prunus
Availability: InStock

Prunus serotina

$79.95

Expertly Curated

Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

720 inches

Width

360 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

100+ years

Native To

Eastern and Central North America

Toxicity

Wilted leaves, twigs, and seeds are toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Prunus serotina is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree native to North America, known for its valuable hardwood, fragrant spring flowers, and dark, edible fruits. Its bark becomes scaly and dark with age. It is a keystone species, serving as a host plant for hundreds of species of Lepidoptera, including the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. Wilted leaves are toxic to livestock due to the release of cyanide.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Valued in naturalistic landscapes for its drooping clusters of fragrant white spring flowers, attractive reddish-brown to black flaky bark, and yellow to red fall color. Its tall, straight trunk is handsome in winter.

The wood is a premier cabinetry and furniture wood in North America, prized for its hardness, strength, and rich reddish-brown color. The small, tart cherries are edible and used for making jams, jellies, and wine.

Black Cherry is a cornerstone of Eastern forest ecosystems. It is a host plant for over 450 species of butterflies and moths. The fruits are a vital food source for dozens of bird species and mammals like black bears and foxes.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Fast Growing Trees

In Stock$79.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location in full sun for best flowering and fruiting.
Plant in moist, well-drained soil; it is adaptable to various soil types.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
Set the tree so the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
Backfill the hole and water deeply to settle the soil.
Mulch around the base to conserve moisture, but keep it off the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant in an area where it can naturalize, as it readily self-seeds and is best suited for less formal landscapes.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water young trees regularly until they are well-established.
Allow the tree to develop its natural, often irregular, form.
Monitor for tent caterpillar nests in spring and remove them.
Appreciate its value to wildlife, from pollinators to birds.

Don't

Do not plant where livestock can access wilted leaves from fallen branches.
Avoid planting over patios or driveways as the fruit can cause stains.
Don't attempt to maintain it as a perfectly manicured tree; embrace its wild nature.
Avoid wounding the bark, as it can be an entry point for diseases.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Harvest
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Essential tree for wildlife and ecological restorationTall component in a naturalized woodland gardenSpecimen tree for its flowers and flaky bark

Companion Plants

Quercus alba (White Oak) Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) Lindera benzoin (Spicebush) Solidago spp. (Goldenrod) Aster novae-angliae (New England Aster)

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Black Cherry questions

What zones can Black Cherry grow in?

Black Cherry is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Black Cherry deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Black Cherry, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Black Cherry bloom?

Black Cherry typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Black Cherry need full sun?

Black Cherry does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Black Cherry drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Black Cherry handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.