Description and habitat
Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) is world’s largest type of cherry tree, and one of four species regularly observed in the Long Point Basin. The other three species are the Sand Cherry (Prunus pumila), Fire / Pin Cherry (Prunus pennsylvanica) and Chokecherry (Prunus pennsylvanica). Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana). All these cherry trees are members of the Rose Family, Rosaceae. Black Cherry is the only Ontario cherry species that regularly grows into a large canopy tree (>30 m in height) within dense forests (Chokecherry is a woodland shrub, Sand Cherry is mostly found in coastal beaches, and Fire Cherry is a small tree observed in open meadows or shrublands). Black Cherry is widely distributed across North America, encompassing much of southeastern Canada and the eastern United States. It also has another, disjunct population in the Cordilleras of Central Mexico and Guatemala. This species has become naturalized in South America and in Europe.
The leaves of Black Cherry are oval and arranged alternately on the twig, 5-13 cm in total size, with finely toothed margins. The top of the leaf is dark green, while the underside is much lighter. In the autumn, Black Cherry foliage becomes vibrant red or orange. White flowers emerge in May, consisting of 5 petals on stalks 10-15 centimetres long. Afterwards, the fruits emerge as clusters of reddish-black drupes. The scientific name (serotina) refers to the timing of fruit ripening, which occurs in September. The bark of Black Cherry is the most important identification feature – on mature trees, it consists of squarish plates which resemble the scales of a snake. Black Cherry bark is also much darker than most of Ontario’s other hardwoods, making it readily identifiable in the field. If the foliage or bark is crushed, it gives out an aroma similar to almonds.
Considering habitat preferences, Black Cherry grows well in both moist forests and oak savanna habitats. It is intolerant of flooded conditions, so it is typically absent from both swamps and floodplains. Black Cherry readily proliferates in open landscapes, making the species associated with successional communities. In mature forests, the species persists through a slowed growth rate and by exploiting canopy gaps.
Wildlife importance
The fruit of Black Cherry is highly important for wildlife, frequently consumed by frugivorous birds and small mammals as soon as they ripen. The leaves support a diverse insect community, and over 300 different moth species. One of these, the Eastern Tent Caterpillar Moth (Malacosoma americanum) creates tent-like structures at the branch junctions in the spring. The caterpillars hatch soon after, with a voracious appetite. Other moths that utilize Black Cherry trees are the Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora ceropia) and Wild Cherry (Sphinx dripiferarum). Even typically insectivorous birds, such as Myrtle (Yellow-rumped) Warblers (Setophaga coronata), and Red-eyed Vireos (Vireo olivaceus) will readily consume the fruit as they prepare for their southbound migration in the autumn.
Fun facts
- Black Cherry leaves, twigs, and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when ingested. Thus it is advised not to eat cherry leaves or crush the seeds. However, this chemical defense helps protect the tree from many herbivores.
- Black Cherry has beautiful, reddish-brown wood that is highly prized for furniture making, cabinetry, veneer, and musical instruments. It is the among the most economically valuable hardwoods, alongside Black Walnut.
- The bark is often compared to potato chips or burnt cornflakes for identification purposes.
- In addition to moths, the foliage is also an important larval food source for butterflies, such as the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
- Black Cherry adapts to fire by resprouting from the base of the tree, and the seeds germinate readily in burnt areas.
Written by Matthew Palarchio, HBSc in Environmental Sciences, Western University.
Photo Credits (L-R)
Growth Form © Matthew Palarchio
Bark © Matthew Palarchio
Leaves © Matthew Palarchio
Flowers © Yann Kemper
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