The black cherry tree (Prunus serotina), a native of eastern North America, is a striking and recognizable tree, valuable for its timber and fruit, but also potentially problematic in certain contexts. Understanding its appearance is crucial for identification, whether you're a budding naturalist, a homeowner dealing with potential invasive growth, or simply curious about the flora of your region. This guide will provide a detailed description of the black cherry tree, covering its leaves, bark, flowers, fruit, and overall form.
Distinguishing Features of the Black Cherry Tree
Several key features allow you to differentiate a black cherry tree from other similar species:
Leaves:
- Shape and Size: Black cherry leaves are alternately arranged, lanceolate (lance-shaped), and typically 2 to 6 inches long. They are finely serrated (toothed) along the edges with sharply pointed teeth. The tip is usually long and pointed.
- Color and Texture: The leaves are a glossy, dark green on the upper surface and a paler, slightly duller green underneath. They are thin and somewhat leathery in texture. In autumn, they transform into vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red, making them a stunning sight.
- Glands: Look closely at the base of the leaf. You'll find small, reddish glands where the leaf blade meets the petiole (leaf stalk). This is a crucial distinguishing feature.
Bark:
- Young Trees: Young black cherry trees have smooth, reddish-brown bark with prominent, horizontal lenticels (small pores).
- Mature Trees: As the tree matures, the bark develops characteristic dark, almost black, fissures and plates. These plates are often quite thick and resemble burned or broken pieces of bark, creating a distinctive, almost "burnt" appearance.
Flowers:
- Appearance: Black cherry trees bloom in late spring with small, white, fragrant flowers. These flowers are arranged in long, drooping racemes (clusters) of 5 to 15 flowers. They have five petals, numerous stamens, and a single pistil.
- Scent: The flowers possess a delicate, almond-like fragrance.
Fruit:
- Appearance: The fruit is a small, round, dark-purple to nearly black drupe (a fleshy fruit with a single hard stone). It ripens in late summer or early fall.
- Taste: The fruit is initially quite astringent (bitter and puckering), but as it ripens, it develops a sweeter, more pleasant taste. It’s often used in jams, jellies, and other culinary preparations.
Overall Form and Size:
Black cherry trees are typically tall and slender, often reaching heights of 50 to 80 feet, although they can sometimes grow taller. They generally have a pyramidal or rounded crown when young, becoming more irregular with age. They often have a single, straight trunk.
Potential Confusion with Other Species
Black cherry trees can be confused with other species, particularly other cherry trees like chokecherry and pin cherry. Careful attention to the details outlined above, specifically the leaf glands and the distinctive bark of mature trees, is essential for accurate identification.
Conclusion
The black cherry tree is a beautiful and ecologically significant species easily recognized by its distinctive features. This detailed guide provides the knowledge necessary to identify this tree in its various stages of growth. Remember to always utilize multiple identification characteristics for confident identification and to consult reliable field guides for further verification.
