Black Cherry
Prunus serotina
Black cherry is one of the most ecologically productive trees in eastern North America. Fragrant white flower clusters drape the branches in late spring, drawing native bees by the hundreds. Dark cherries ripen in August and are consumed almost immediately by waves of migrating birds, including cedar waxwings, catbirds, robins, and thrushes. The tree is also a primary host plant for eastern tiger swallowtail and several other lepidopteran species. At 40 to 60 feet mature, this is a significant tree that rewards patience. Planting it now means the wildlife surge arrives within five years and accelerates every year after. The bark develops a distinctive scaly plate pattern with age, adding architectural interest. Branches smell faintly of almonds when broken. Black cherry earns its place on any property large enough to give it room.
We grow a range of sizes and prices. Add the plant to your list, then pick your size when you visit.
Final price confirmed at pickup, depends on size and season.
- Thu, Jul 238 AM – 4 PM
- Fri, Jul 248 AM – 4 PM
- Sat, Jul 258 AM – 2 PM
A nursery-grown plant, ready for the ground.
Healthy, container-grown black cherry propagated on-site at Hill House from regional genetics. Includes a one-page care card. We make every effort to supply plants as listed; occasionally we substitute a similar species of equal value.
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Average
- Mature size
- 40'–60'
- Bloom
- Fragrant white spring blooms, bird-magnet cherries in August, yellow fall foliage, plated bark in winter.
- USDA zones
- 3-9
Pairs well with these.
Same light, same soil, same wildlife. Janet's picks to plant alongside black cherry.
Or skip the guesswork.
Curated packages bundle 9–12 species that work together. One reservation, one pickup day, a printed layout map.
Butterfly Package
Host and nectar plants chosen to feed monarchs, swallowtails, and fritillaries spring through fall.
Hummingbird Package
Tubular-flowered natives that pull ruby-throats through your yard April through October.
S.O.S. Package
Save Our Songbirds, berry- and seed-bearing natives that feed nesting and migrating birds.