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For successful seedlings,
see the growing notes at the bottom of the page!

Black cherry (Prunus serotina) is a medium to large tree of the rose family, reaching 15 to 20 m in height. It has a slender form, with a rounded to oval crown. The bark of young trees is smooth and reddish brown, while with age it becomes dark, nearly black, and scaly, releasing a characteristic bitter odour when crushed. The leaves are alternate, simple, lance-shaped, with finely toothed margins, dark green above and paler beneath. In spring, it produces long, drooping clusters of small fragrant white flowers. The fruits are small globular drupes, first red and then black when mature, edible but very astringent when raw. The species is common in open forests, hedgerows, and edges in Quebec, on fresh, well-drained, and slightly acidic soils.

Medicinal and culinary uses
The fruits can be consumed in processed form, notably in syrups, jellies, and wines, although they are not much appreciated raw due to their bitterness. Caution: the pits are toxic, and their ingestion can cause serious digestive or respiratory problems. They must be avoided. The bark has been used for its medicinal properties as a sedative, antitussive, and tonic, particularly in the treatment of coughs and pulmonary conditions. Bark preparations were also employed as an astringent and febrifuge.

Ecological roles
A keystone plant for biodiversity, black cherry is an important species for wildlife. Its nectar-bearing flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and butterflies, while its fruits feed many birds (thrushes, blackbirds, waxwings, wild turkeys) as well as small mammals. Its leaves provide food for the caterpillars of several butterflies and moths. The tree contributes to the structural diversity of forests and hedgerows, and offers shelter for various insects and nesting birds.

Black cherry seeds require scarification and cold stratification to ensure germination. See the cultivation notes below for more details.

Akène cannot assume any responsibility for the use of plants for therapeutic purposes. Always seek advice from a professional before using a medicinal or edible plant.