Identifying characteristics:
In the forest this species forms a narrow, oblong crown to 60 feet or more.
Trees on poorer sites are characteristically smaller. In the open, this
species forms an oval to spreading crown, often with drooping branches. Leaves are simple, alternate and oblong-lanceolate,
with finely toothed margins with the tips of the teeth curved inward. The
leaves are dark green above with dense, reddish-brown hairs along the midrib
near the base of the leaf at maturity. The petiole usually has 1 or 2 glands
near the base of the leaf. Fall color is yellow or light orange. The showy
white flowers are produced in loose,
many-flowered, 4- to 6-inch-long racemes as the leaves reach full size in
late spring. The astringent but edible fruits
are produced in elongated, drooping racemes, ripening from June to October.
Each fruit is a dark purple, almost black, globose drupe with a persistent
calyx. The buds, which diverge slightly from the twig, are
blunt and covered with about 6 green to reddish-brown, overlapping scales.
The leaf scars are small and semicircular, with 3 bundle scars. The
bark of young trees is smooth, reddish-brown
to almost black, with conspicuous, horizontal, dash-like lenticels. In older
trees the bark exfoliates into thin, light gray to black, squarish scales
with upturned edges.
Similar species:
Ecology:
Distribution: This species is widely distributed throughout the eastern
US and is also native from southern New Mexico and western Arizona, south
to Guatemala. It is native as far west as the Missouri River
in southwestern Iowa and the natural lakes in the northwestern part of the
state.
Habitat: The black cherry is found in upland woods, wood edges, and along fencerows in a variety of soils. It prefers rich, deep, moist but well-drained soil, but grows on dry ridges as well as on north- or east-facing slopes and in protected coves. This species is subject to many of the fungal leaf infections of cherries, and to twig diseases like black knot and canker. The scallop-shell moth is a serious pest and eastern tent caterpillars can defoliate trees. The thin, scaly bark makes this species susceptible to fire damage.
Uses:
Wood: The principal asset of this tree is the close-grained, red-brown
heartwood. It does not warp at all once seasoned, is moderately hard
and heavy, takes a beautiful polish and is shock-resistant. Because it retains
its shape, it is used for scientific equipment where precision is needed,
for printer's blocks and the actions of pianos and organs. It is a moderately
important timber tree-only forest-grown trees produce straight, usable trunks.
It is a valuable wood for fine furniture and cabinetwork, interior trim,
handles and caskets.
Wildlife: The almond-flavored hydrocyanic acid of the leaves and inner bark was once used in tonics and cough medicine. This compound may cause cyanide poisoning in cattle and deer browsing on wilted twigs and foliage in the fall, although fresh new leaves seem to be edible to deer. The tart, juicy fruits are relished by birds and small mammals, helping to distribute the seeds. Appalachian black bears eat the fruits, which also make tasty jams and wine. The seeds should not be swallowed as they contain cyanide.
Horticulture: Although the black cherry is a relatively fast grower and has ornamental flowers, it is seldom used as an ornamental in Iowa. It is not recommended for use as a street tree as the fruit can produce a messy litter and the species is prone to tent caterpillar attack.
