Black Cherry Prunus serotina is a fast-growing, medium size (30’ – 60’ X 15’) deciduous tree that occurs statewide in woodlands, old fields and on fencerows. Lace-like spikes of white flowers are produced in early Spring, and the fruit is available in Spring and Summer. This tree has showy yellow leaves in Fall, which adds lovely color to the landscape.
Black Cherry, which thrives in well-drained soils and partial shade, is a must for those interested in attracting birds to their garden. Thirty-three bird species are known to eat the fruit including Pileated Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Red-headed Woodpecker, Great Crested Flycatcher, Scarlet Tanager, Summer Tanager, Eastern Bluebird, and American Goldfinch. Black Cherry also is a host plant for caterpillars of Tiger Swallowtail, Red-Spotted Purple, and Viceroy butterflies.