Alternate name: Wild Cherry
Family: Rosaceae, Rose view all from this family
Description Aromatic tree with tall trunk, oblong crown, abundant small white flowers, and small black cherries; crushed foliage and bark have distinctive cherrylike odor and bitter taste.
Height: 80' (24 m).
Diameter: 2' (0.6 m).
Leaves: 2-5" (5-13 cm) long, 1 1/4-2" (3-5 cm) wide. Elliptical; 1-2 dark red glands at base; finely saw-toothed with curved or blunt teeth; slightly thickened. Shiny dark green above, light green and often hairy along midvein beneath; turning yellow or reddish in autumn.
Bark: dark gray; smooth, with horizontal lines; becoming irregularly fissured and scaly, exposing reddish-brown inner bark; bitter and aromatic.
Twigs: red-brown, slender, hairless.
Flowers: 3/8" (10 mm) wide; 5 rounded, white petals; many flowers along spreading or drooping axis of 4-6" (10-15 cm) at end of leafy twig; in late spring.
Fruit: a cherry 3/8" (10 mm) in diameter; skin dark red turning blackish; slightly bitter, juicy, edible pulp; elliptical stone; maturing in late summer.
Warning The seeds of all Prunus species, found inside the fruits, contain poisonous substances and should never be eaten. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable because of their curiosity and small size. Toxicity can vary in a plant according to season, the plant’s different parts, and its stage of growth; and plants can absorb toxic substances, such as herbicides, pesticides, and pollutants from the water, air, and soil.
Habitat On many sites except very wet or very dry soil; sometimes in pure stands.
Range S. Quebec to Nova Scotia, south to central Florida, west to E. Texas, and north to Minnesota; varieties from central Texas west to Arizona and south to Mexico; to 5000' (1524 m) in southern Appalachians and at 4500-7500' (1372-2286 m) in the Southwest.
Discussion This widespread species is the largest and most important native cherry. The valuable wood is used particularly for furniture, paneling, professional and scientific instruments, handles, and toys. Wild cherry syrup, a cough medicine, is obtained from the bark, and jelly and wine are prepared from the fruit. One of the first New World trees introduced into English gardens, it was recorded as early as 1629. As many as 5 geographical varieties have been distinguished.
