BLACK CHERRY TREE

Prunus serotina is a deciduous native tree of eastern North America, capable of reaching considerable height at maturity while remaining manageable when grown from seed in a home landscape. Racemes of small white flowers appear in spring, followed by clusters of deep red to near-black fruits that ripen through late summer. The bark develops a distinctive scaly, dark texture with age. This species earns its place in naturalistic plantings primarily through its exceptional wildlife value — birds and pollinators rely on it heavily — though the fruit also yields a tart, complex juice suited to preserves.