Black Cherry - Prunus serotina

Blackened Cherry - Prunus Serotina

Bare Roots will be ready in April for pick up or shipping

Phonetic: PROO-nus seh-roh-TEE-nuh

Trees in pots are unavailable for shipment 

1 Gallon Pot 3'-4'

Bare Roots 18"-24"

Black cherry, is a large deciduous tree that thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained, fertile soils, though it can tolerate a wide range of soil types—from sandy to loamy and even rocky substrates. It is somewhat shade-tolerant in its youth but requires increasing sunlight as it grows to maintain its vigor.

Black cherry typically blooms in late spring, usually from May to early June. The tree produces elongated clusters of small, fragrant white flowers that attract a wide range of pollinators, including native bees, flies, and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers develop into small, reddish-black drupes that ripen in late summer, typically from August to September. The fruits are tart when raw but become sweeter as they mature and are highly sought after by birds and mammals, which help disperse the seeds widely across the landscape.

Ecologically, Black Cherry is one of the most important native fruiting trees in eastern North America. Its foliage supports the larvae of numerous species, including the eastern tiger swallowtail and cecropia moth. Its flowers provide abundant nectar and pollen for pollinators, while its fruits serve as a key late-summer and early-autumn food source for songbirds, game birds, foxes, raccoons, bears, and other wildlife.

• Hardiness Zone: 2-8
• Native Region: BONAP Map
• BONAP Map Key Color Guide: Map Color Key
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun 
• Flower Color: White, Pink
• Bloom Time: April, May, June
• Soil Type: Moist, Medium, 
• Mature Plant Size: 60-80 'H, 30-60'W
• Plant Spacing: 30-60'
• Host Plant: Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Viceroy, Red Spotted Purple, 
• Attracts: Bees, Butterflies,
• Advantages: Salt Tolerant, Poor Soil 
• Landscape Uses: Sun Garden, Borders
• Companion Plants: Common Spicebush, 
  

What to Expect During the First Five Years

Planting a blackened cherry tree is an investment in the future of your landscape. Like many native perennials and trees, it spends its first years developing the strong foundation needed for decades of healthy growth.

• Year One: Most energy goes into root establishment, so regular watering during dry periods will help young roots spread and anchor the tree securely.
• Years Two and Three: Expect noticeable increases in height and branching as the tree begins developing its upright form. Small, fragrant flower clusters will also begin showing once the tree is several years old, although timing varies depending on growing conditions. Then, after flowering becomes established, dark fruits typically follow, creating a food source for birds and other wildlife.
• Long-Term Growth: As the years pass, the tree develops a broader canopy and stronger branching structure.

Caring for young trees with consistent watering and minimal disturbance gives them the best opportunity to thrive. Weather and soil conditions can also influence how quickly it reaches each stage, but steady progress can happen when these trees are planted in a suitable location.

Ready to grow a blackened cherry? Shop at Bagley Pond Perennials today or reach out for more inquiries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can blackened cherry be planted near other native trees?

Absolutely. It grows well alongside many eastern native trees and shrubs, creating layered habitats that benefit wildlife. Mixing species also makes your landscape more interesting across different seasons.

How large does it get at maturity?

At maturity, it can become a large shade tree with a tall, upright form and wide canopy. In open areas, it develops a more spreading structure, while in wooded settings, it grows taller and more vertical as it competes for light.

Does this tree provide shade quickly?

It develops into an excellent shade tree over time, but its canopy expands gradually. Young trees focus on establishing healthy structure first, resulting in stronger, longer-lived growth.

Is it suitable for restoration projects?

Yes. It is commonly included in habitat restoration and conservation plantings because it supports native wildlife while adapting well to many eastern growing conditions once established.