Wild Black Cherry Tree

Despite its common names, it is not very closely related to commonly cultivated cherries. Black cherry is a large, native tree found in the Midwest and throughout the eastern United States. Its showy white flowers appear as pendulous clusters in early spring, followed by dark, pea-sized fruits in late summer. The mature bark is dark and scaly, often flipping up on the edges. Its ecological value is perhaps exceeded only by the oak. Like apricots and apples, the seeds of black cherries contain cyanogenic glycosides (compounds that can be converted into cyanide), such as amygdalin. The foliage, particularly when wilted, also contains cyanogenic glycosides, which convert to hydrogen cyanide if eaten by animals. While almost all parts of this tree are toxic, the fruits are edible and used in jams and flavorings.

Soil type: acid soil, Moist, well-drained soil

Soil moisture: alkaline soil, Dry sites, Road salt

Sun exposure: full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)

Height: 50-60 feet

Bloom Color: white

Bloom Time: early April to the first week of June

Benefits: Cavity-nesting birds, Game birds, Game mammals, Insect pollinators, small mammals, and songbirds. In the spring, cherries are often seen donning the silken homes of the eastern tent caterpillar. The insects rarely inflict lasting damage to the plant. Eastern tent caterpillars are an important part of the food web. Over 60 bird species have been documented feeding on these caterpillars, many of which have declining populations such as the black and yellow-billed cuckoos.

(Sources: mortonarb.com / leavesforwildlife.com /vplant.org / inaturalist.org, gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org, www.mainegardens.org)