Black cherry is a native tree known for its slender form, attractive bark and small, fragrant flowers. It adds beauty and ecological value to both naturalized areas and large urban yards.
Quick Facts
- Height: approximately 50 feet in urban settings
- Spread: approximately 25 feet in urban settings
- Form: narrow, rounded crown with upright to drooping branches
- Leaves: simple, glossy, dark green, oblong to lance-shaped with finely serrate edges; emerge in spring; yellow to red in fall
- Bark: smooth, reddish-brown when young; rough, scaly, irregularly plated (cornflake appearance), dark reddish-brown when mature
- Flowers: small, white, fragrant, slender, hanging clusters; emerge in late spring
- Fruit: medium, red to dark purple, round clusters of fleshy drupes containing small pits; mature in late summer
Distinguishing Feature
Black cherry is easily recognized by its dark, flaky bark on mature trees and its long, narrow clusters of white flowers that appear in late spring.
Historical Fact
Black cherry wood has long been prized in fine woodworking. It was a popular choice for crafting furniture, cabinets and musical instruments due to its rich colour and smooth grain.
Why We Love It
Black cherry is a native tree that offers seasonal interest through its fragrant spring blooms, vibrant fall foliage and clusters of dark, edible fruit. The fruit is enjoyed by birds and other wildlife and can also be used in baking, especially for pies and jams. The tree supports a wide range of native insects, making it a great choice for boosting backyard biodiversity.
Did You Know?
Black cherry is the largest native cherry species in North America
The largest known black cherry in Ontario grows in Hockley Valley, measuring 14.3 feet in diameter at breast height (DBH) and standing approximately 63.7 feet tall.
Its fruit is eaten by over 30 species of birds, including thrushes, gray catbird and cedar waxwings
Plant Your Own!
Planting a black cherry in your yard is a wonderful way to enhance the beauty of your property. Plant for Less with LEAF’s subsidized Backyard Tree Planting Program today!
LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the protection and improvement of urban forests. We envision vibrant communities where everyone benefits from a healthy urban forest. For over 30 years we have been connecting people with trees through education, planting and stewardship.
