Wild black serotina Ehrh.

Species description Wild black cherry is an erect, deciduous tree with thin, smooth, glossy, gray-black bark that becomes fissured and scaly in older trees. The leaves are alternate, simple, ovate to oblong in shape, shiny, and finely serrated along the margins. Long, cylindrical flower clusters appear at the end of new, leafy twigs. The numerous flowers are 5-petalled and white. Cherry fruits are berry-like, black when ripe, astringent, and have a single, hard seed. Wild black cherry trees can grow 60-90 feet in height, with canopies 35-50 feet wide. They can live for 200+ years. Trees are adapted to cool, moist riparian habitats. They grow in partial shade to full sun. The species has an elevation range from sea level (in Canada) to 7,000 feet in elevation, and the trees are cold hardy to -35ºF.

Natural and cultural history Wild black are native to the eastern U.S. and north into Canada, with populations in the U.S. Southwest, south into Mexico and Central America. Some subspecies have naturalized in South America. They grow in the wild along canyons and streams, usually in pine-oak woodland habitat. Native Americans often used them as a food source.

Planting considerations and propagation techniques Black cherry trees grow best in conditions that mimic their natural habitat—partial shade to full sun, in moist, forested areas. Black cherry grows well on all soils except for the very wet and very dry, and the trees can tolerates a range of soil types and drainage. Black cherry trees are insect pollinated and must be cross-pollinated to set fruit. Seeds require a period of after-ripening before germination will occur. Under natural conditions, this occurs during winter months.

Water needs Black cherry trees prefer moist conditions but are highly drought tolerant.

Care Black cherries are susceptible to the , but there are no diseases of major concern. The trees have minimal pruning requirements.

Harvesting and processing Wild black cherries may be eaten raw or cooked, and used for making jelly and wine. The fruit has been used to flavor rum or brandy. In addition, they are an important wildlife food source.

References and resources Flora of North America, vol. 9. 2014. Prunus serontina Erhart. http://efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242417060 Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Native Database (NPIN). 2015. Prunus serotina. http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PRSE2. Missouriplants. http://www.missouriplants.com/Whitealt/Prunus_serotina_page.html Uchytil, Ronald J. 1991. Prunus serotina. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory. http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), National Data Center. 2003. Black Cherry: Prunus serotina L. http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_prse2.pdf

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