Black Cherry  

Scientific Name: Prunus serotina Ehrh./ Rosaceae

Native

Height 30-100 feet; 1-5 ft. in diameter

Black cherry, often called wild cherry, grows across the state but reaches its largest stature in the mountains.  It does not grow well on sites that are swampy or dry.  The black cherry has beautiful white flowers in spring and the cherries become dark red as they ripen in mid-summer.  Many birds and mammals eat these fruits. The leaves are the larval host for Tiger Swallowtail, Red-spotted Purple, Coral Hairstreak and other butterflies.  Eastern Tent Caterpillars often defoliate Black Cherry in early spring, but rarely do any lasting harm.