Prunus serotina (Black cherry)

The genus Prunus is third on Dr. Doug Tallamy's celebrated list (after oaks and willows) of trees important for supporting a large number of moth and butterfly species that feed on their foliage. Black cherries also provide fruit for birds in the late summer. The tree is tall and graceful, can reach a height of 80 feet, has fragrant, frothy white flowers in May-June, and grows in full sun or in the partial shade of a deciduous forest. This common native tree is an important component of woodland ecosystems in our area. Wilted leaves contain a toxin that is poisonous to livestock, and pits are also poisonous and should not be consumed.

Our bare-root trees and shrubs are in their third or fourth year and are generally between 20" and 30" tall.