Also known as American Cherry · Black Cherry · Black Choke
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Eastern Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) is a large deciduous tree known for its fragrant flowers, edible fruit, and valuable timber. It's a vital food source for wildlife.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers full sun for best growth and fruit production. Can tolerate partial shade but may become leggy.
Moderate to Low
50% intensity
Water regularly when young, then infrequently once established. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Well-drained loam, sand, or clay
50% intensity
Adaptable
50% intensity
Hardy in USDA zones 3-9. Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, including cold winters.
Low
25% intensity
Generally does not require fertilization. Apply balanced fertilizer in spring if growth is poor.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Leaves, bark, seeds, and roots contain cyanogenic glycosides which can be toxic if ingested. Fruit pulp is edible when ripe.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water newly planted trees regularly until established. Once mature, Eastern Black Cherry is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental watering, especially in areas with adequate rainfall.
Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings, prioritizing deep watering over frequent shallow applications.
Prune Eastern Black Cherry to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. The best time for major pruning is during the dormant season (late winter) to minimize sap bleeding and disease risk.
Thinning out the canopy can improve air circulation and light penetration, promoting overall tree health and fruit production.
Propagation is typically done through seed, which requires a period of stratification (cold, moist conditions) to break dormancy.
It can also be propagated by grafting or budding onto rootstock, which is more common for horticultural varieties. Cuttings are generally difficult to root.
Repotting is not typically applicable to established trees. For container-grown saplings, repot every 2-3 years into a larger container in early spring before new growth begins.
Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Eastern Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Prunus |
| Species | Prunus serotina |
Similar in genus Prunus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
