The black cherry tree (Prunus serotina), a native of eastern North America, is a striking and easily recognizable tree, especially when in bloom or bearing fruit. However, identifying it requires understanding its various features throughout the year. This guide will help you learn what a black cherry tree looks like, covering everything from its bark and leaves to its flowers and fruit.
What are the characteristics of a black cherry tree?
Black cherry trees are known for their elegant form and distinct features. Let's explore the key characteristics:
Bark:
Young black cherry trees have smooth, reddish-brown bark. As they mature, the bark develops characteristic horizontal lenticels (small pores) and becomes darker, developing a thick, deeply furrowed, and almost black appearance. This dark, rough bark is one of the most distinctive features of mature black cherry trees. The bark often peels off in thin, irregular plates, giving it a somewhat shaggy look.
Leaves:
Black cherry leaves are alternate, simple, and oval to lanceolate (lance-shaped) in form. They are typically 2 to 6 inches long and have finely serrated (saw-toothed) edges. The leaves are bright green in the summer and turn a brilliant reddish-bronze in autumn before falling. An important identifying feature is the presence of tiny, reddish glands at the base of the leaf blade, often visible with a hand lens. These glands are a crucial distinguishing characteristic.
Flowers:
Black cherry trees bloom in late spring, producing numerous small, white flowers arranged in long, drooping racemes (clusters). These flowers have a delicate, sweet fragrance and are an important source of nectar for bees and other pollinators. These flowers are typically less showy than those of some other cherry species but are still a significant element of the tree's overall appearance during that time.
Fruit:
The fruit is a small, round, dark purplish-black drupe (a fleshy fruit with a hard stone). It ripens in late summer or early autumn and is about ¼ to ½ inch in diameter. These fruits are edible but have a slightly bitter taste unless very ripe and are often used in jams, jellies, and wines. Birds are very fond of black cherry fruit and play a significant role in seed dispersal.
What distinguishes a black cherry tree from other cherry trees?
Several features distinguish black cherry trees from other cherry species:
- Bark: The dark, almost black, deeply furrowed bark of a mature black cherry tree is quite unique. Other cherry trees often have lighter bark or a different bark texture.
- Leaves: The finely serrated edges and the presence of reddish glands at the base of the leaf are key identifiers. Many other cherry tree leaves lack these features.
- Fruit: The relatively small size and dark purplish-black color of the ripe fruit help distinguish it from other species bearing larger or differently colored fruit.
- Height and Shape: Black cherry trees can grow quite tall (up to 80 feet), with a slender, upright form, although their shape can vary depending on growing conditions.
How tall do black cherry trees grow?
Black cherry trees can reach impressive heights, often growing to be between 50 and 80 feet tall, though occasionally larger specimens can be found. Their height, combined with their characteristic shape and bark, makes them easily identifiable in a forest or woodland setting.
Are black cherry trees poisonous?
While the ripe fruit of the black cherry tree is edible, other parts of the tree contain cyanide-producing glycosides. These compounds are particularly concentrated in the leaves and pits of the fruit. Ingesting large quantities of leaves or stems can be toxic to humans and animals. Therefore, caution should be exercised, and only fully ripe fruit should be consumed in moderation.
This comprehensive guide aims to equip you with the knowledge to identify a black cherry tree confidently. Remember to always exercise caution when handling any plant you are unsure of, and enjoy observing the beauty and unique characteristics of this impressive tree species.
