A little seed. A new beginning.
Seeds In A Cup®A LITTLE SEED. A NEW BEGINNING.

GROW SOMETHING WONDERFUL

Black Cherry

Prunus serotina

Your guide to planting, growing, and getting to know this plant.

THE PLANT NOTEBOOK

Black Cherry care, from seed onward.

Botanical name
Prunus serotina
Common names
Wild Black Cherry
Family
Rosaceae
Genus
Prunus
Species
P. serotina
01

Start growing

Full sun. Fast growing pioneer species.

02

Growing with your kit

Seeds In A Cup® demonstrates tree identification via the distinct bark and leaf patterns on young saplings.

03

Propagation

Seed (birds spread them everywhere).

04

Seasonal growth & harvest

Prolific seeder; berries ripen in late summer.

05

Growing conditions

Woodlands and fence rows.

06

Weather & tolerances

Drought tolerant.

07

Pests & plant health

Eastern tent caterpillar (major host).

08

Plant safety

Wilting leaves are highly toxic to livestock (cyanide). Fruit pits are toxic.

09

Botanical features

A large forest tree (not just a shrub). Bark looks like 'burnt cornflakes'. Fruit is small, dark, and bitter-sweet.

10

Varieties

Forest timber types.

11

Native range & distribution

Eastern North America.

12

Conservation

Secure.

13

Name origins

Latin ‘serotina’ (late), as it blooms/fruits later than other cherries.

14

History

The bark was historically used in cough syrups and tonics.

Grow black cherry in a cup.