Black Cherry
Prunus serotina
Overview
Important native wildlife tree providing fruit for birds and mammals. Wood is highly prized for fine furniture and cabinetry.
Bark was used medicinally as a cough suppressant. Cherry wood from Eastern Ontario was historically exported for high-end furniture making.
Identification
Leaves
Glossy dark green leaves with finely toothed margins. Leaves have distinctive rust-colored hairs along the midrib on the underside.
Bark
Young bark is smooth and shiny with horizontal lines. Mature bark is very dark with distinctive scaly plates that look like burnt potato chips.
Flowers
Fragrant white flowers in drooping clusters (racemes) 4-6 inches long, appearing after leaves emerge in late spring.
Fruit
Small cherries (1/4-1/3 inch) ripen from red to dark purple-black in late summer. Bitter but edible, highly valued by birds and wildlife.
🦆 Valuable wildlife food source
Growing Conditions
Climate
Well-adapted to Eastern Ontario. Pioneer species that quickly colonizes open areas and forest edges.
Hardiness Zones: 3, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b
Light Requirements
Soil
Moisture: moist, dry
Drainage: well-drained
pH Range: 5 - 7.5
Tolerance
Care & Maintenance
Pruning
Best Season: Winter
Frequency: As needed
- Prune in late winter to reduce disease risk
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches
- Can produce many suckers - remove if unwanted
Avoid: Spring through fall - risk of bacterial and fungal diseases
Watering
Establishment: Regular watering for first 2 years
Mature: Generally drought tolerant once established
Seasonal Care Timeline
Spring
- Watch for Eastern tent caterpillar tents
- Beautiful white flower clusters
- Black knot galls become more visible
Summer
- Fruit attracts birds - may be messy
- Japanese beetles may feed on leaves
Fall
- Good fall color in yellow to red range
- Clean up fallen leaves if disease present
Winter
- Best time to prune and remove black knot galls
- Look for egg masses of tent caterpillars
Common Issues
Eastern Tent Caterpillar
ModerateCaterpillars that form web tents in branch crotches
Symptoms: Silken tents in branch forks, Defoliation, Visible caterpillars with blue markings
Treatment: Remove tents by hand in early morning/evening, Bt spray
Prevention: Destroy egg masses in winter
Black Knot
ModerateFungal disease causing black galls on branches
Symptoms: Hard, black, swollen galls on branches, Branch dieback
Treatment: Prune infected branches 6-8 inches below galls in winter
Prevention: Remove all infected material, avoid wounding
Quick Facts
When to Call an Arborist
Recommended inspection: Every 2-3 years
- •Extensive black knot infection
- •Major branch dieback
- •Structural defects
- •Root damage or heaving
Free consultation for Belleville residents
Recommended Services
Based on Black Cherry characteristics