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Fruit

Bark

Young plant

Rosaceae

Black Cherry is a fast-growing medium to large tree that grows widely across east Texas on neutral to acidic soils. It grows best on moist, well-drained sands and sandy loams in areas with bright sun. Long racemes of white flowers appear in early spring with the leaves, which are a lustrous green in summer, then turn yellow in the fall. Black cherry wood is valued in furniture and panel crafting and the tree and fruits are important for wildlife food and shelter. CAUTION: Wilted twigs and leaves contain high levels of prussic acid that can be fatal to humans and livestock if consumed.

Plant Habit or Use: medium tree large tree

Exposure: sun

Flower Color: white racemes 4 to 6 in. long

Blooming Period: spring

Fruit Characteristics: small clusters of pea-sized purple-black to red-black cherries

Height: to 110 ft.

Width: to 90 ft.

Plant Character: deciduous

Heat Tolerance: high

Water Requirements: medium

Soil Requirements: acid neutral

USDA Hardiness Zone: 3

Additional Comments: