Escarpment Black Cherry, Edwards Plateau Black Cherry, Escarpment Cherry
Prunus serotina var. eximia
Rosaceae
Escarpment black cherry is found on slopes, canyons, and woods in the Edwards Plateau in central Texas and follows streambeds into the Rio Grands Plains in south central Texas. 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
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: 45 to 50 ft.
Width: to 35 ft.
Plant Character: deciduous
Heat Tolerance: very high
high
Water Requirements: medium
low
Soil Requirements: adaptable
USDA Hardiness Zone: 7
Additional Comments:
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