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This is the largest of the native Cherry trees, reaching 40-60 feet with a trunk diameter of 1-2 feet. The outline of the tree is unusual- the trunk is crooked and the foliage is thin and drooping. The bark on young trees is smooth, dark brown or greenish with strong horizontal markings. On old trees, it is blackish to reddish brown, very rough and scaly with turned-back edges. The leaves are pointed, elliptical, dark shiny green above and paler beneath, with fine rounded teeth. The flowers are white and hang in drooping clusters, appearing in late May. The immature fruit is dark red, the mature fruit is shiny and black in September. The fruit is 1/2 inch in diameter, and are found in irregular clusters. It can best be distinguished from the Choke Cherry by the prominent calyx. The Wild Black Cherry can be found from Nova Scotia to Florida, and west to Texas. The wood is greatly valued for its use in cabinet making and interior finishes.
Information about this plant from the USDA Plants Database.
Information from the TreeGuide from Athenic Systems.
This page was last updated 12 Jun 2003.