tree

Black Cherry (Bundle of 25)

$43.00

Description

Size: 2-3' / Age: 1-0 / Growth Rate: 2-4 feet per year. The Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) is a medium to large deciduous tree native to North America, valued for its striking appearance, fragrant flowers, and high-quality wood. It typically grows 50-80 feet tall with a straight trunk and a rounded or pyramidal crown. The tree's bark is dark gray to black and develops a distinctive, rough, scaly texture resembling burnt potato chips as it matures. The leaves are simple, oval to lance-shaped, and glossy green, turning yellow to reddish in the fall. In spring, the black cherry tree produces clusters of small, fragrant, white flowers. These flowers are a significant source of nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies. By late summer, the tree bears small, dark red to nearly black cherries, which are tart and bitter when raw but are used in jellies, wines, and other culinary applications. These fruits are also an important food source for birds and wildlife. Black cherry thrives in a variety of soil types, from sandy to loamy, and prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is often found in forests, open fields, and along roadsides. It should be known, however, that the tree's foliage and seeds contain compounds toxic to livestock, requiring careful placement in grazing areas.