Black cherry (Prunus serotina)

Also known as: Whisky cherry, American cherry

The black cherry tree (Prunus serotina) is a medium-sized deciduous tree indigenous to the Americas and has also spread to parts of Europe. It is recognizable by its small white flowers in spring, which develop into clusters of dark cherries that are edible if the pits are removed. The tree's mature bark is dark and distinctly flaky, while its leaves are glossy and serrated.

However, there are several risks associated with this tree:
1. **Toxicity:** The leaves, bark, and seeds contain cyanogenic compounds that can release cyanide when ingested, posing a poisoning risk to livestock and pets.
2. **Invasiveness:** The black cherry tree is a highly reproductive pioneer species, which means it can spread rapidly and outcompete native plants in some areas, potentially becoming invasive.
3. **Allergens:** The pollen produced by the flowers can cause allergic reactions in some people.

While the black cherry tree is valued for its wood and fruit, its toxic properties and invasive potential warrant cautious management.

Attributes of Black cherry

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

7 m to 24 m

Spread

8 m

Leaf Color

Green Yellow Gold Brown

Flower Size

7 mm to 1.5 cm

Flower Color

White

Images of Black cherry

Quickly Identify Black cherry

Towering height of 60 to 80 feet (18 to 24 meters)

Distinctive yellow-brown underbelly of leaves

Fragrant, small white flowers in pendulous racemes

Small, deep purple-black cherries in drooping clusters

Satiny reddish-brown twigs with bitter almond scent

Scientific Classification of Black cherry

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Rosales

Family

Rose

Genus

Prunus

Species

Black cherry

Planting and Growing of Black cherry

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Ceramic, Plastic

How to Water Black cherry?

Prunus serotina, or black cherry, prefers a moderate watering routine. It's important to ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Aim for around 500 milliliters each watering session, ensuring water reaches the root zone without water pooling.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Black cherry? ›

What should I do if my Black cherry is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Black cherry? ›

How to save an overwatered Black cherry? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Black cherry?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours daily

Prunus serotina thrives best in full sun to partial sun, ensuring robust growth and optimal flowering. Adequate sunlight promotes photosynthesis, leading to increased energy production and healthier development.

What is the best lighting condition for Prunus serotina? ›

How to achieve ideal lighting conditions for Prunus serotina? ›

Benefits of achieving ideal lighting for Prunus serotina? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Black cherry?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for growing Prunus serotina, commonly known as black cherry, is between 60°F and 75°F. This moderate temperature range ensures the best growth and health for the plant, providing adequate warmth without stressing the plant due to heat or cold.

What Soil is Best for Black cherry?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Prunus serotina thrives in fertile soils that provide essential nutrients. A nutrient-rich soil benefits the plant by promoting vigorous growth and robust foliage, ensuring it stays healthy throughout the growing season. This species prefers soil that drains well to prevent root rot and other water-related issues. Well-drained soil helps the plant by ensuring roots have access to the necessary oxygen, thereby enhancing nutrient uptake and overall vitality. With a preference for slightly acidic conditions, Prunus serotina flourishes when grown in soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Maintaining this pH level helps optimize nutrient availability, leading to better flowering and fruiting.

How to Fertilize Black cherry?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Prunus serotina benefits from a balanced fertilizer with a 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 NPK ratio. For liquid fertilizers, dissolve about 1 tablespoon per gallon of water, ensuring the solution is evenly distributed across the root zone.

How to Prune Black cherry?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin by identifying dead, diseased, or damaged branches that need removal. Additionally, look out for crossing branches and any that grow inward toward the center of the tree. Start with larger branches using a pruning saw. For smaller branches and twigs, use pruning shears. Make clean, angled cuts to allow water to runoff and promote quick healing.

How to Propagate Black cherry plant?

Propagate Time: Late spring, Early spring, Summer

Collect Prunus serotina seeds from mature fruits. Clean them thoroughly to remove any flesh, then stratify the seeds by placing them in a moist medium in a refrigerator for 90-120 days to break dormancy.

Sow the prepared seeds in seed trays filled with a well-draining soil mix. Cover them lightly with soil and keep the soil consistently moist. Place the trays in a warm location with indirect sunlight.

During late spring to summer, take semi-hardwood cuttings from healthy Prunus serotina plants. Each cutting should be about 6-8 inches long and include several leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting in a suitable medium.

How to Repot Black cherry plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Prunus serotina needs repotting when its roots start growing out of the drainage holes or the plant looks stunted. Ideally, repot in spring or autumn when the growth phase is active yet gentle, which helps the plant adjust better.

Select a pot that's slightly larger than the current one. Opt for one with adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. The size should allow roots to spread comfortably, reducing stress on the plant and stimulating healthy growth.

Choose a well-draining potting mix that mimics its natural environment. A mix with sand, perlite, and organic matter ensures aeration and prevents root rot, which is crucial for the healthy development of Prunus serotina.

Toxicity of Black cherry

Is Black cherry toxic to humans?

The black cherry, similar to most species within the *Prunus* genus, contains cyanide precursors throughout all its parts, except for the fruit. When a person consumes the seeds, leaves, or any other portion of the plant, these cyanotoxins transform into cyanide gas upon coming into contact with stomach acid. This gas is then absorbed through the mucous membranes, leading to poisoning. The symptoms can escalate from agitation to fatigue, loss of coordination and muscle spasms, difficulties in movement or speech, slowed breathing and heart rate, ultimately culminating in death.

Is Black cherry toxic to cat?

Black cherry (Prunus serotina) is extremely toxic to cats, and ingesting it could lead to symptoms such as vomiting, trouble breathing, dilated pupils, or even shock. The cyanogenic compounds found in all parts of this plant become especially dangerous when the plant is wilting; thus, mature or dying specimens pose a greater risk than younger, healthy ones. It is essential to seek veterinary care.

Is Black cherry toxic to dog?

Consuming any portion of the black cherry plant aside from its fruit may cause life-threatening reactions in dogs; if you believe your dog has gnawed on any component of this plant, you should treat it as a medical emergency. The stems, leaves, and seeds are all sources of cyanide. Symptoms that may occur after ingestion include gasping, weakness, dilated pupils, seizures, loss of consciousness, and respiratory failure.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.