Description
Cherry, Black 1-0 (Prunus serotina)
Zone 3-9
Full sun to shade tolerant
Black cherry is a fast-growing tree, reaching heights of 60 to 100 feet and one to four feet in diameter. This deciduous tree prefers clay, loamy, occasionally wet, well-drained soils. White, very showy flowers appear in early- to mid-spring, emitting a pleasant fragrance. The fruit becomes dark purple to almost black when ripe, maturing in summer. Black cherry is a valuable species; the wood is reddish brown, heavy, hard, strong and fine-grained and often used for furniture and interior finish. The fruit is an important food source for many birds and other wildlife, and is often used in jelly and wine.
