Black Cherry
prunus serotina
Also known as: ["Wild Black Cherry","Rum Cherry","Mountain Cherry"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to eastern North America, known for its dark bark, fragrant white flowers, and dark purple fruits.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","edible fruits","aesthetic foliage","fast growing"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Prunus |
| Botanical Name: | Prunus serotina |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, adaptable to various soil types and light conditions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"-28–38°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight to prevent scorching. Provide shade during peak summer heat, especially for young plants. Outdoor placement is ideal, but ensure protection from harsh winds.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Monitor leaf color for signs of sun stress; adjust exposure gradually; use shade cloth if needed.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to partially dry between waterings, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend with organic matter for fertility; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–9; tolerates cold winters (down to -30°F/-34°C) and prefers moderate temperatures (60–75°F/15–24°C) during active growth.
Protect from late frosts, provide shade in summer, and ensure good air circulation to prevent heat stress.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid over-fertilization; water thoroughly after application.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, and keep warm.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is semi-hardened.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F/21–24°C), humid environment with indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining medium such as perlite and peat moss mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; plants may take a full growing season to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, heat mat.
Quick Tips
Use healthy parent stock; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches, heading back to shape, and removal of crossing or rubbing stems.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage airflow and sunlight penetration.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead/diseased wood, shape the canopy, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late winter or early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove the plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot only if the plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its container; typically every 2–3 years for young plants.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare new soil, inspect roots, trim if needed, repot carefully, water and settle.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting foliage, adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution without saturating the soil. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days in spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch, wilting, premature leaf drop, or delayed bud break in spring.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause dieback of young growth, delayed flowering, or reduced vigor if not sufficiently hardy for the zone.
Solution: Plant in sheltered locations, use mulch to insulate roots, and avoid late-season fertilization to prevent frost damage.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, reduced flowering, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade, increase watering frequency, and use mulch to retain soil moisture during heatwaves.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer, apply in spring, water after application, avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth emerges. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall to prevent tender growth susceptible to frost.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicPrunus serotina poses a toxic risk to cats due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides in its seeds, stems, and leaves. These compounds can lead to cyanide poisoning, impairing the cat's ability to utilize oxygen effectively.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe seeds, stems, and leaves of Prunus serotina contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when metabolized. This disrupts oxygen transport in the body, potentially leading to severe poisoning in dogs.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicPrunus serotina contains cyanogenic glycosides, which release cyanide upon ingestion. These compounds interfere with cellular respiration, leading to oxygen deprivation at the cellular level. The toxicity is most concentrated in the seeds, stems, and wilted leaves.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the fruits of Prunus serotina edible?
A: Yes, the fruits are edible and can be used to make jams, jellies, and wine, but they should be consumed in moderation due to their mild toxicity.
Q: Is Prunus serotina toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats, particularly the leaves and seeds, which contain cyanogenic glycosides.
Q: Does Prunus serotina attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to wildlife, including birds and mammals, which feed on its fruits and use it for shelter.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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