A medium-sized native tree that hosts more caterpillar species than any other tree in eastern North America (~450 species). Its fruit is an autumn staple for birds, bears, and even people (cherry pies, cordials).
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
Prunus serotina, commonly called black cherry, wild black cherry, rum cherry, or mountain black cherry, is a deciduous tree or shrub in the rose family Rosaceae. Despite its common names, it is not very closely related to commonly cultivated cherries. It is found in the Americas.
Source: Wikipedia — Prunus serotina Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Smooth dark bark in juveniles; rough scaly bark in mature trees. Long-stemmed white flower clusters in spring; small black-red cherries in fall.
Similar species. Other Prunus species (smaller, different). Native sweet cherries (P. avium).
Voice. N/A
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. N/A — photosynthesis. Deep root system.
Behavior. Major caterpillar host for eastern lepidoptera — supports more caterpillar species (~450) than any other native eastern tree.
§ Range
Eastern North America, into Mexico and Central America
§ Habitat
Forest edges, hedgerows, fence lines, fields with mature trees
§ Threats
Forest fragmentation, deer overbrowsing on saplings, replacement with non-native ornamentals.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the black cherry is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Plant native black cherry. Don't mistake for invasive Asian cherry. Support deer management.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Prunus serotina
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Prunus serotina
- iNaturalist · taxon 52867
- IUCN Red List — search for Prunus serotina
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Prunus serotina
§ Sources cited
- Doug Tallamy
- National Wildlife Federation
- Audubon Native Plants Database
- USDA Plants Database
