Prunus serotina
Table of Contents
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Tracheophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Order: Rosales |
| Family: Rosaceae |
| Genus: Prunus |
| Species: Prunus serotina |
Conservation Status
Identifying Features
Black cherry has a large range in size as an adult tree, between 30 to 100’ feet tall.
Their bark is dark gray, and appears scaly or flaky, reminding some observers of burnt potato chips.
Their leaves are alternate and simple, between 2 and 6" long and foot-ball shaped. They are toothed, glossy, and creased along the midrib. In the fall, they turn shades from yellow to red.
Habitat & Range
Black cherry’s range reaches across the eastern United States and just north into Canada. They grow in a wide variety of habitats.
At the Cayuga Nature Center they are most common along our stream sides.
Life Cycle
Black cherry flowers are white, and bloom in the spring and early summer.
The fruit of this tree are 1/2" long, black-red berries. They hang in 5" clusters.
Featured image by James Dake.