Black Cherry

Prunus serotina
Rosaceae
Prunus serotina flower CEH
Prunus serotina bark JB
Prunus serotina form
Prunus serotina form JB
Prunus serotina fruit
Distinctive black flaky bark. Pioneer species that will grow on disturbed sites. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions. Susceptible to storm damage.

Summary

Climate Tolerance
Fair
Wildlife Benefits
Nectar source for bees; fruit food source for birds, mammals; moth/butterfly host
Pollination Type
Pollinator
Plant Hardiness Zones
3 to 9
# Butterfly/Moths that use as host
381
Bloom Time
Spring (Mar-Jun)
Shade/Sun Tolerance
Full Sun to Shade: Receives less than 2 to 6 or more hours of direct sunlight
Maximum Height
Medium (40-75 ft)
Growth Rate
Rapid: 2 ft or greater per year
Soil Type
Clay: Small sized particles. Long moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Loam: Equal mix of clay, sand, and silt. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Sand: Large/coarse particles. Short moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Silt: Medium sized particles. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Soil Moisture Tolerance
Moist - Dry: Soil can be damp for periods of time and can retain little to no water for periods of time
Root - Fungal Association
Arbuscular mycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on inside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Pest & Pathogen Risks
Medium; Black knot, tent caterpillars
Urban Stress Tolerance
Low: Tree will not grow well in the urban environment
Drought Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed during periods of drought
Coefficient of Conservatism
3
Native Status
OH-Native: Species is native to Ohio
NatureServe G-rank
G5
Plant Community Type
  • Beech Mixed: Abundant
  • Oak Mixed: Abundant
  • Alluvial: Common
  • Red Maple Mixed: Abundant
  • Ruderal: Occasional
  • Urban Tree Cover: Common
Bloom Color
White
Form
Tree
Lifespan
Medium: 100-250 years
Soil pH
Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Wetland Indicator Status
FACU: Facultative Upland, usually occurs in non-wetlands, but may occur in wetlands
Soil Compaction Tolerance
Sensitive: Tree will become stressed from soil being compacted
Heat Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed for increased temperature due to urban heat island effects
Salt Tolerant
Tolerant: Tolerant to both aerial salt spray and salt present in soil
Native County Status
Cuyahoga
Geauga
Lake
Lorain
Medina
Portage
Summit
IUCN Red List Assessment
Least Concern

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